Human rights activist, former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, on Friday dramatically took over his own defence at the Federal High Court in Abuja after members of his legal team reportedly withdrew from his case, citing what they described as persistent hostility and unfair treatment from the presiding judge, Justice M.G. Umar.
The development unfolded during the latest hearing in the ongoing prosecution instituted against Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS) over statements in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a criminal.
Following the court proceedings, Sowore disclosed that he personally filed a fresh motion requesting Justice Umar to recuse himself from the matter, insisting that concerns over fairness and judicial conduct had continued to undermine confidence in the proceedings.
According to Sowore, his lawyers had become increasingly uncomfortable with the atmosphere surrounding the trial and could no longer continue representing him before the court.
“Soon after today’s court hearing at the Federal High Court, where I represented myself because my lawyers had decided they could no longer appear before Justice M.G. Umar due to what they described as persistent maltreatment, I personally moved a motion asking the judge, once again, to recuse himself from the case,” Sowore stated.
Speaking after the hearing, the activist revealed that previous attempts had been made to secure the transfer of the case to another judge through the office of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, but the request was reportedly declined.
He maintained that complaints had earlier been lodged regarding the treatment of defence counsel during proceedings, adding that the situation eventually compelled members of his legal team to distance themselves from the case.
“We had complained to the court that lawyers were mistreated by the judge and we applied to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer the case file, but they refused,” Sowore said.
He further claimed that some lawyers who initially appeared in court on his behalf later decided against continuing with the matter due to concerns about the conduct of proceedings.
According to him, the circumstances left him with no alternative but to assume responsibility for his own defence before the court.
Sowore also indicated that the trial could become more contentious if Justice Umar declines his latest application for recusal.
“If he decides not to excuse himself, he will continue the trial. It’s going to be a very interesting trial,” he remarked.
The case has remained one of the most closely watched legal battles involving the activist, who has consistently denied wrongdoing and argued that the charges are linked to his outspoken criticism of government officials and public institutions.
Court proceedings in the matter have previously been marked by tense exchanges between defence lawyers and the bench, with disagreements over procedural issues, defence rights and courtroom conduct leading to several heated moments and adjournments.
As of Friday, the case remains before Justice M.G. Umar, while attention now shifts to the court’s decision on Sowore’s renewed application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the trial.