DSS to suspend Sowore cybercrime case till after 2027 election

The Department of State Services (DSS) has instructed its private counsel to temporarily suspend the cybercrime case against African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election. This decision came after a meeting on August 20 between DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, a senior lawyer, and the agency's legal directorate.

Ajayi reportedly conveyed to the lawyers that with the start of presidential campaigns, it would be equitable to halt the court proceedings to ensure Sowore can fully participate in the upcoming elections without impediment. He also mentioned that since the case had been in court for nearly a year, pausing it for an additional four months would not significantly impact the outcome.

The DSS is anticipated to formally notify the Federal High Court of this suspension on September 14, 2026, when the court resumes regular sessions following the annual judicial vacation. If granted, the suspension would effectively keep the case on hold during the presidential campaign and the 2027 election period.

Sowore had posted these allegations on his X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025. In response, the DSS granted him seven days to remove the posts, which he ultimately declined to do. The agency had taken the matter to the Federal High Court to ascertain if Sowore's social media posts, which referred to President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal," constituted cyberbullying as it was in question whether describing an individual as a criminal without a court ruling was lawful.