Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Adeyinka Olumide- Fusika and Akinlolu Kehinde Monday August 3, 2026 clashed at the ongoing trial of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in the defamation charges brought against him by the Department of the State Service (DSS).

At the Monday’s proceedings, lead lawyer to Sowore, Olumide – Fusika applied for an adjournment of proceedings, arguing that the document he needed for the day had just been released to him by the Court registrar.

The senior lawyer said he applied for the documents on July 26 and was approved for him by the trial judge, Mohammed Garba Umar, on July 27 but was released to him on August 3, 2026.

He then sought an adjournment to enable him to study the documents which will prepare him for a cross examination of his next witness, who is an official of the DSS.

The DSS lawyer, Kehinde, at that point, countered his submission while also opposing the adjournment application.

He described the move as dilatory tactics aimed at delaying proceedings in the trial, saying that the judge should foreclose Sowore’s defense.

He accused the defence of trying to frustrate proceedings and urged the judge to resist the adjournment request.

Angered by the response of the DSS lawyer, Olumide-Fusika faulted the statement, saying he was no longer ready to take nonsense from DSS lawyer.

He openly called DSS lawyer a persecutor using foul language in the open court.

But tension rose further when Olumide-Fusika insisted that the dilatory tactics was an insult.

“What sort of talk is that. I am no longer going to allow you to take my calm attitude for granted.

“My calmness should not be taken for granted. Deal with the facts. What exactly are these alleged dilatory tactics?” Olumide -Fusika said.

Responding, the DSS lawyer said: “The point I am trying to make is that from March until now, only one witness has been called.”

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, while intervening in the duet, said: “I respect you enough. Any more of this conduct, and I will refer you to the appropriate disciplinary body.

“This should be the last time. If you are no longer interested in the case, you should say so.

“You cannot behave in my court in that manner.

“I am adjourning this matter. I am not in a position to continue hearing the case today.”

The judge then adjourned the matter to September 20, 2026 for continuation of the defence.