- Abuja court rejects Sowore’s evidence
- DSS witness disowns document tendered in court
- Judge cites Evidence Act in ruling
- Case adjourned to March 5
A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a document presented by activist Omoyele Sowore, which alleged that President Bola Tinubu once described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a “drunkard.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to admit a document tendered by Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), alleging that President Bola Tinubu made derogatory remarks about former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.
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The document also claimed that Tinubu referred to Jonathan as “a sinking fisherman.” However, trial judge Justice Mohammed Umar rejected the exhibit after the prosecution witness through whom it was presented disowned the document.
The witness, Mr. Cyril Nosike, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the first prosecution witness, told the court during cross-examination that he was not aware of Tinubu making such statements about the former president.
Based on the witness’s position, counsel to the DSS, Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the document, arguing that it failed to meet the requirements of the Evidence Act since the witness was not its maker.
Justice Umar upheld the objection and declined to admit the document.
Earlier, the witness also declined to answer questions on whether Tinubu was a major opposition figure in 2011, saying he would not comment on the issue. He further denied knowledge of claims that Tinubu had described Jonathan as “corrupt and shameless.”
The court also rejected another document tendered by the defence which alleged that Tinubu once described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “an expired meat.” The rejection followed a similar objection by the prosecution.
During cross-examination, Sowore’s counsel questioned the witness on corruption in Nigeria. The DSS operative stated that he was not in a position to give opinions, stressing that his role was limited to national security matters.
“My Lord, he is asking for my opinion. I am not here to give an opinion,” the witness said.
The witness also said he was not aware of reports that DSS dismissed 115 officers in December 2025 for corruption, noting only that they were removed following an internal investigation.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter until March 5 to allow the defence to conclude cross-examination.
Sowore is currently facing trial over a social media post in which he described President Tinubu as a “criminal.” He is being prosecuted under a two-count amended charge of the Cybercrimes Act (Amendment), 2024.
According to the prosecution, the post, made on August 25, 2025, followed a statement by President Tinubu in Brazil where he claimed his administration had ended corruption in Nigeria. The government alleges that the post was capable of inciting disorder and damaging the President’s reputation.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges.
