The defamation trial involving Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, faced a setback on Monday following a verbal confrontation between two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika and Akinlolu Kehinde. Representing the Department of State Service, Kehinde clashed with Sowore’s lead counsel, Olumide-Fusika, during proceedings.
Olumide-Fusika had requested an adjournment to examine court documents he claimed were only provided to him that morning, despite having been approved for release on July 27. He argued that time was necessary to prepare for cross-examining the upcoming witness from the DSS. Conversely, Kehinde objected, labeling the request a stalling tactic and urging the court to deny the defense’s application.
The atmosphere became hostile as Olumide-Fusika reacted strongly to the accusation of delaying the trial. He openly challenged Kehinde’s assertion, demanding to know the specific evidence of his alleged misconduct. The argument escalated into shouting, prompting Justice Mohammed Garba Umar to intervene. The judge warned both senior lawyers that further unprofessional conduct would result in disciplinary action.
Citing the disruptive behavior, Justice Umar suspended the hearing and scheduled the next session for September 20, 2026. Following the outburst, Kehinde offered an apology to the court and the legal profession for the decline in decorum.
