The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) made a surprise appearance in the ongoing cyberstalking trial of journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore, stepping in to block a subpoena for the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS). The move has sparked controversy, with legal experts questioning the AGF's sudden intervention in a case that had been progressing without executive branch involvement.
AGF's Unexpected Appearance in Court
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the AGF, represented by a lead prosecutor, filed an application to set aside the subpoena issued against the SSS chief, arguing that such a summons could compromise national security and operational secrets. The subpoena had been sought by Sowore's legal team to compel the DSS director to testify about the agency's role in the investigation and arrest of the activist.
According to court sources, the AGF's intervention was not flagged in advance, catching both the defense and the presiding judge off guard. The prosecution, which is handling the case on behalf of the state, had not indicated any intention to oppose the subpoena in previous sittings.
Legal Arguments and National Security Claims
The AGF's counsel argued that the DSS director is not a necessary witness and that compelling his testimony would divert him from his duties. They further contended that matters of national security should not be subjected to public scrutiny in a criminal trial. Sowore's lawyer, however, dismissed these claims as a pretext to shield the DSS from accountability.
Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, is standing trial on charges of cyberstalking and insulting the Nigerian president. He has pleaded not guilty, and his legal team has repeatedly accused the DSS of harassment and illegal detention. The subpoena was intended to probe allegations that the DSS had tampered with evidence and violated the defendant's rights.
Judge's Ruling and Next Steps
Justice E. E. Akpan, who is presiding over the case, reserved ruling on the AGF's application for a later date. The court also fixed the next hearing for cross-examination of witnesses already presented by the prosecution. Sowore remains on bail but has been subject to travel restrictions.
Observers note that the AGF's involvement may signal a shift in strategy by the government to expedite the trial or to prevent potentially damaging testimony from the security chief. The case has drawn widespread attention from human rights organizations and free-speech advocates, who view the charges as a crackdown on dissent.
Background of the Cyberstalking Charge
Sowore was initially arrested in 2019 for calling for a nationwide protest against the Buhari administration. He was later granted bail but re-arrested in 2020 on the cyberstalking charge after a comment he made on social media. The trial has been plagued by delays, with the defense accusing the prosecution of lacking evidence.
The intervention by the AGF, who is the chief law officer of the federation, raises questions about the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers. Legal analyst Barry Nwankwo said, "The AGF has every right to intervene in cases of national interest, but the timing and manner here suggest an attempt to control the narrative."
