Drug Lord: “Sowore Cannot Rely on Statements I Withdrew” — Omokri

Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, has addressed claims made during the trial of activist and ex-presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, following questions about his clearance by the Department of State Services (DSS) despite past remarks about President Bola Tinubu.

Omokri made the comments in a statement shared with newsmen on Wednesday, responding to Sowore and his lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.

The dispute arose when Sowore’s counsel questioned why the DSS approved Omokri for an ambassadorial role despite previously calling Tinubu a “drug lord” on national television.

Omokri admitted making the remarks but said he later discovered they were false and publicly withdrew them in writing and on video.

“I freely admit that I made uncomplimentary remarks about the then-presidential candidate, believing them to be true at the time. I later discovered they were false and withdrew them publicly on multiple platforms,” he said.

He noted that on May 29, 2023, the day Tinubu was sworn in as President, he issued a statement affirming him and urged Nigerians to move forward. Omokri reiterated this position after the Supreme Court dismissed election petitions in October 2023.

Omokri also said he apologised publicly in media interviews and privately to Tinubu in October 2024 during a personal visit to Nigeria.

Regarding the trial, Omokri argued that Sowore could not use his withdrawn statements as a defence for publications made in August 2025. Citing *Phipson on Evidence*, he said withdrawn statements cannot be admitted to prove their truth.

“I again affirm today that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not, has never been, and will never be a drug lord,” Omokri said, adding he is prepared to testify under oath.

The courtroom exchange followed a tense session where Sowore’s lawyer presented 2023 video clips of Omokri making the disputed remarks. The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, admitted the clips over prosecution objections.