The Federal High Court in Abuja has set aside a subpoena issued at the instance of activist Omoyele Sowore against a lawyer representing the Department of State Services (DSS) in his alleged cyberbullying trial.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the ruling, held that legal practitioners owe their clients a duty of confidentiality and generally cannot be compelled to disclose communications relating to their professional representation.
The subpoena was issued against Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the DSS in the proceedings.
In setting it aside, Justice Umar held that a lawyer may only be compelled to testify in limited circumstances, including where the evidence concerns an uncontested matter or an issue that would not adversely affect the client.
Following the ruling, defence counsel, Ruben Adakole, informed the court of the defence’s intention to subpoena APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan.
The court subsequently ordered that subpoenas be issued for the proposed witnesses.
Justice Umar adjourned the trial to November 11, 2026, for the appearance of the subpoenaed defence witnesses.
Related news:
NJC Suspends Three Judges Over Misconduct
behind Games Village, Abuja
5A, CGH, Games Village, Abuja