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The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected activist Omoyele Sowore’s attempt to compel a Department of State Services (DSS) lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, to testify in his alleged cyberbullying trial. Justice Mohammed Umar set aside the subpoena, ruling that legal professionals are generally protected from being forced to reveal confidential communications with their clients.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Umar stressed that lawyers have a strict duty to protect information shared with them during legal representation. He explained that the principle of legal confidentiality prevents lawyers from being compelled to disclose privileged communications in court.
However, the judge noted that the protection is not absolute. He stated that a lawyer could be required to testify in limited circumstances, particularly when the evidence relates to an uncontested issue or a matter that would not harm the client’s interests.
The ruling effectively blocked the defence’s attempt to bring Kehinde before the court as a witness in the ongoing case. The decision highlights the importance of legal professional privilege and the protection of confidential discussions between lawyers and their clients.
Following the ruling, defence counsel Ruben Adakole informed the court that the defence intended to subpoena APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.
The court subsequently granted the request and ordered that subpoenas be issued to the two proposed defence witnesses. Their expected appearance is part of the defence’s efforts to present its case in the ongoing proceedings.
Justice Umar adjourned the trial until November 11, when the subpoenaed defence witnesses are expected to appear before the court. The proceedings will continue as the court considers the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.
