By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek an adjournment of the cybercrime case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election. The move, according to a source familiar with the matter, aims to allow Sowore to participate fully in the electioneering process without court proceedings hindering his political activities.
DSS Moves to Pause Sowore’s Court Case
A source close to the DSS legal team said the agency’s Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, met with senior lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde and senior legal officers on August 20.
The meeting focused on whether to pause the case during the 2027 election campaign.
According to the source, the meeting followed INEC’s lifting of the campaign ban for the 2027 presidential election.
“The DSS boss reportedly told the Senior Advocate and his directorate of legal services that, with the commencement of presidential campaigns, it would only be fair to pause the court case,” the source said.
The source added that the pause would allow Sowore to participate fully in the elections without restrictions.
Ajayi reportedly noted that the case had remained in court for nearly one year.
He also said another four-month suspension would not create any significant difference.
DSS to Seek Adjournment Until After Election
The DSS has reportedly directed its legal team to request an adjournment until after the 2027 presidential election.
The agency also plans to review similar cases involving candidates contesting other elective positions.
The source said the DSS will formally communicate its decision to the Federal High Court.
The court is expected to resume normal sittings on September 14, 2026, after its annual judicial vacation.
Sowore, who previously secured bail on self-recognition, is expected to continue his political activities.
Why DSS Took Sowore to Court
The DSS instituted the case after Sowore described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in social media posts.
The posts appeared on Sowore’s X account and Facebook page on August 25, 2025.
Following the posts, the DSS issued Sowore a seven-day ultimatum to remove them.
He did not comply with the directive before the deadline expired.
Consequently, the DSS approached the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 16, 2025.
The agency sought judicial interpretation of whether describing the President or another person as a “criminal” was lawful.
DSS Defends Its Position
The DSS previously said the case did not aim to restrict Sowore’s political activities.
Instead, the agency said it wanted the court to interpret the legality of such public descriptions.
In a September 6, 2025 letter to Meta’s chairman, the DSS explained its position.
The agency said protecting the President extends beyond physical security threats.
It also argued that its responsibility covers psychological attacks against the President.
X and Meta Removed From Suit
The DSS initially included X, formerly Twitter, and Meta in the lawsuit.
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja later struck out both technology companies.
As a result, Sowore became the sole defendant in the case.
Sowore pleaded not guilty to the amended charges under the Cybercrimes Act 2024.
He has repeatedly rejected the prosecution’s allegations.
The AAC presidential candidate described the case as politically motivated.
He also accused the authorities of attempting to restrict his freedom of expression.
Sowore Challenges DSS and Tech Companies
Sowore also filed fundamental rights suits against the DSS and the technology companies.
Through the suits, he challenged what he described as attempts to censor his speech.
Meanwhile, the latest DSS decision could temporarily ease the legal pressure on his campaign.
Sowore is expected to continue his political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
