By Olayinka Ajayi

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju on Monday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that President Bola Tinubu had publicly declared that Nigerians were free to criticise and “even insult” him.

Adeyanju, while defending Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore in his alleged cyberbullying trial, said the President made the remarks before Sowore’s controversial X and Facebook posts that led to the charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to him, Tinubu also urged the judiciary “not to allow itself to become an instrument of oppression” against government critics.

Defence tenders video evidence

Led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, Adeyanju told Justice Mohammed Umar that he personally downloaded the videos of the President’s statements before August 25, 2025, and handed them to the defence team.

To meet the requirements for electronic evidence, he presented an affidavit of compliance alongside a 2GB flash drive containing the recordings. The prosecution did not object, and the court admitted them.

Following the admission, Olumide-Fusika asked for an adjournment to enable the court to provide a television to play the videos. Prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed the request, arguing the defence should have prepared earlier since the prosecution closed its case in March. Justice Umar, however, ruled that providing court facilities was the court’s responsibility and adjourned the matter to July 13 for continuation.

Adeyanju told the court he would be unavailable until Friday.

When Adeyanju entered the witness box, Kehinde objected, saying the lawyer, being counsel on record, could not also testify. Olumide-Fusika countered that Adeyanju had never announced an appearance as counsel since he took over the case. The court overruled the objection and allowed the testimony.

Adeyanju described Sowore as “publisher of Sahara Reporters, a human rights activist and former AAC presidential candidate” standing trial over posts in which he referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal.”

He explained to the court how social media works, saying platforms like X and Facebook are “personal virtual homes” where users interact mainly with followers. He distinguished public posts from private messaging apps like X Chat and Facebook Messenger.

Tension over bail conditions

On June 30, Justice Umar had granted Sowore N200 million bail with two sureties and ordered his passport submitted to the Deputy Chief Registrar. Kehinde told the court on Monday that none of the conditions had been met and urged Sowore’s remand. He also informed the court that Sowore had granted an interview to Arise TV on Friday.

Olumide-Fusika disputed the claim, saying compliance was ongoing and accused the prosecution of having “personal issues” with Sowore. He said he was unaware of the TV interview.

The judge clarified that he had placed no restriction on media interviews but said remand would be necessary if bail conditions were not met. He gave the defence until close of business on Monday to perfect bail.

The SSS closed its case in March after calling one witness. On May 8, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission. Sowore, who once represented himself, later applied for the judge’s withdrawal over alleged bias. After failing to appear on June 16, the court revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant. He was rearrested but later re-admitted on bail.

The trial continues on July 13.