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DSS Faces Tough Questions as Sowore Uses Reno Omokri Videos to Challenge Cybercrime Charges
Drama unfolded in an Abuja court as Omoyele Sowore played Reno Omokri’s videos to challenge DSS cybercrime charges over criticism of President Tinubu.
Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the trial of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, exposed uncomfortable questions for the Department of State Services (DSS) over its handling of alleged cybercrime offences linked to criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tension escalated during cross-examination when Sowore’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, presented video footage showing former presidential aide Reno Omokri making severe allegations against President Tinubu on national television statements that, according to the defence, did not attract any legal consequences.
The videos, tendered through a flash drive and played in open court, were shown while Cyril Nosike, a DSS operative and the prosecution’s first witness, watched from the witness box.
One of the clips showed Omokri during a 2023 interview on ARISE News claiming he possessed United States court documents allegedly linking President Tinubu to drug-related offences.
“Bola Tinubu is a known drug lord. I have documents to prove it,” Omokri said during the broadcast.
Another video featured Omokri declaring that he would never politically associate with Tinubu.
Seizing on the footage, Abubakar questioned why the DSS allegedly cleared Omokri for a possible ambassadorial appointment despite those remarks, while Sowore is currently facing cybercrime-related charges for describing the President as a “criminal” on social media.
When pressed for answers, the DSS witness admitted he could not explain the agency’s actions regarding Omokri or clarify why no investigation or prosecution followed the televised statements.
The moment drew attention in the courtroom, reinforcing the defence’s argument that the charges against Sowore amount to selective enforcement and unequal application of the law.
Sowore’s legal team maintains that the case raises broader concerns about freedom of expression, political dissent, and whether Nigeria’s security agencies apply the law consistently when dealing with criticism of those in power.
The trial was adjourn to a later date for continuation.
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