The Department of State Services (DSS) is expected to seek an adjournment of the alleged cybercrime and cyber-bullying case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.
A source close to the DSS legal team said the proposed move is aimed at ensuring that the pending court proceedings do not constitute a distraction or impediment to Sowore’s participation in the presidential campaign and election.
Sowore is facing prosecution over social media posts published on his X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025, in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
The DSS had approached the Federal High Court to seek a judicial determination on the legality and limits of such expressions, particularly whether Sowore could lawfully make the reference to the President or any other individual.
According to the source, the service opted to pursue judicial interpretation after Sowore allegedly failed to comply with a seven-day directive to remove the posts. The DSS subsequently approached the court on September 16, 2025, rather than arresting or inviting him for questioning.
The source disclosed that the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, met with the agency’s private counsel, A.T. Kehinde, SAN, and senior officials of the service’s legal directorate on August 20, 2026, where the possibility of seeking a suspension of proceedings was discussed.
Ajayi was said to have directed the legal team to seek the court’s indulgence to adjourn the matter until after the 2027 presidential election, arguing that Sowore should be allowed to exercise his constitutional right to contest without the case becoming a hindrance to his campaign.
“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 adjourn the court case in order to enable Sowore fully participate in the upcoming elections without let or hindrance,” the source said.
The source added that the DSS considered the proposed adjournment reasonable, noting that the matter had already been pending before the court for almost a year.
“He told the lawyers that, since the matter had been in court for nearly a year, suspending it for another few months would not make much difference,” the source added.
The position is expected to be formally presented before the Federal High Court from September 14, 2026, when the court is expected to resume normal sittings following the annual judicial vacation.
The source further disclosed that the DSS is reviewing other cases involving political candidates to determine whether similar considerations may be applied as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
The development comes amid heightened political activities and preparations by political parties and aspirants ahead of the presidential election.
When contacted, Kehinde, SAN, reportedly confirmed the development, saying the decision reflected the commitment of the current DSS leadership to fairness in the political process. “We will seek the indulgence of the court for the adjournment,” he said.
