Sowore Cannot Rely on Statements I Withdrew” — Reno Omokri Fires Back in Court Controversy

In a twist during the ongoing trial of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, former presidential aide Reno Omokri has publicly challenged attempts to use his past comments in the legal defence of Sowore’s case. Omokri’s reaction comes in response to comments tendered in court by Sowore’s lawyer about why the Department of State Services (DSS) cleared him for a government role despite earlier critical remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

The matter surfaced during proceedings on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Sowore is facing charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024 over social media posts allegedly describing President Tinubu as a “criminal,” an accusation the government says is false and capable of inciting public disorder. 

During cross-examination, Sowore’s counsel presented video clips of Omokri from a 2023 interview in which he described President Tinubu in highly critical terms, including calling him a “drug lord.” The defence questioned why, given these remarks, the DSS would have cleared Omokri for an ambassadorial appointment. 

In a detailed statement shared with Punch Online, Omokri acknowledged making those remarks in the past but said he had since withdrawn them, explaining that he later found them to be incorrect and untrue. He pointed out that because he publicly recanted those statements — both in writing and on video — they should not be used as evidence in Sowore’s trial. 

Omokri also emphasised that on May 29, 2023, the day President Tinubu was sworn in, he issued a public affirmation of Tinubu as president, urging Nigerians to support the administration and “put the past behind them.” He reiterated this position after the Supreme Court dismissed election petitions challenging Tinubu’s victory on October 26, 2023. Omokri described his earlier comments as “fallacious” and said he had publicly apologised on several television platforms and privately to President Tinubu in October 2024. 

Addressing the specific legal argument, Omokri cited Phipson on Evidence, noting that former statements that have been withdrawn cannot be tendered in court as proof of the truth of the matters asserted — a legal principle he said should bar Sowore from relying on those earlier comments in his defence. 

Omokri reaffirmed his position that President Tinubu “is not, has never been, and will never be a drug lord,” offering to testify under oath if required. 

The court has adjourned the case until February 4, 2026, as proceedings continue in the cybercrime trial. 

This episode highlights how evidence rules and credibility of statements can play a significant role in politically charged trials, especially when past public commentary by prominent figures is used to challenge or defend legal arguments.