DSS Wants Sowore’s Trial Shifted Beyond 2027 Presidential Election

The Department of State Services (DSS) has requested its private counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to explore the possibility of adjourning the case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election. This decision was made following the DSS's inquiry into Sowore's alleged cyber-bullying of President Bola Tinubu on his "X" handle and Facebook page in August 2025, where he referred to the president as a "criminal." The DSS also wants to review cases involving other contestants for elective positions.

In a letter to the chairman of Meta Corp, dated September 6, 2025, the DSS stated that it is not only responsible for protecting the President from physical threats but also empowered to shield him from psychological attacks. After Sowore refused to remove the posts after seven days, the secret police, without arresting or inviting him, took the matter to court on September 16, 2025.

A DSS insider revealed that Director General Tosin Ajayi met with senior lawyers and officers of the DSS' legal directorate on August 20, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaigns, to discuss the matter and consider adjourning the case to allow Sowore to participate fully in the upcoming elections.

The DSS believes it is fair to postpone the court case, given that it has been ongoing for nearly a year, and suspending it for a few more months would not make a significant difference. They expect to formally communicate their position to the Federal High Court by September 14, 2026, and seek the court's permission for the adjournment once the court resumes its regular sittings. Other cases involving candidates for other elective positions are also being reviewed by the DSS.