The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, to appear as defence witnesses in the ongoing cyberbullying trial of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
The order was made on Monday by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar following a request by Sowore’s defence team to call the two individuals to testify in the case.
The development came shortly after the court rejected an application by Sowore seeking to compel the Department of State Services (DSS) lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to appear as a witness.
In his ruling, Justice Umar set aside the earlier subpoena issued against Kehinde, explaining that legal practitioners are protected by professional confidentiality and cannot ordinarily be forced to disclose information obtained in the course of representing their clients.
The judge noted that exceptions could only apply in limited circumstances, particularly where the evidence sought concerned an uncontested issue or would not adversely affect the interests of the client.
Justice Umar maintained that lawyers owe their clients a duty of confidentiality, which must be respected in judicial proceedings.
Following the ruling, defence counsel, Ruben Adakole, informed the court of the team’s intention to summon Amupitan and Igbokwe as witnesses.
The request was granted by the judge, who directed that subpoenas be issued to both individuals to ensure their appearance before the court.
The decision represents another development in the trial of Sowore, who is facing prosecution by the DSS over publications in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a criminal.
The case has generated controversy over the limits of freedom of expression and the circumstances under which public officials can be criticised.
Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the proceedings until November 11, 2026, for the appearance of the subpoenaed witnesses.
