DSS To Suspend Sowore Cybercrime Case Till After 2027 Election

The Department of State Services has directed its private counsel, Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, to take steps to suspend the alleged cybercrime case against African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.

The development followed a meeting involving DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, the senior lawyer handling the case and officials of the agency’s legal directorate.

According to reports, the decision is intended to allow Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 electioneering process without the pending court proceedings interfering with his campaign activities.

The case was instituted by the DSS over social media posts allegedly made by Sowore in August 2025 in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

The security agency had approached the Federal High Court seeking judicial determination on whether such statements amounted to cyberbullying or constituted an offence under relevant Nigerian laws.

The matter has remained before the court for several months, with Sowore continuing to participate in political activities as the 2027 presidential election approaches.

The AAC presidential candidate is expected to contest the election scheduled for January 16, 2027, and has continued to campaign on issues including governance, economic hardship, insecurity and government accountability.

A source familiar with the development said the DSS leadership considered it appropriate to pause the proceedings following the commencement of presidential campaign activities.

The source reportedly noted that the case had already been before the court for nearly a year and that suspending it for several months would not significantly affect the proceedings.

The DSS is expected to formally communicate its position to the Federal High Court when regular court sittings resume after the annual judicial vacation.

The proposed suspension would mean that the case would remain pending rather than being withdrawn or terminated. Proceedings could resume after the presidential election.

Sowore, who has previously been granted bail by the Federal High Court, has continued his political activities and is preparing to campaign for the presidency under the AAC.

The development comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with presidential candidates and political parties stepping up their campaigns across the country.

The DSS decision could also reduce the possibility of court appearances interfering with Sowore’s participation in campaign activities during the election period.

The case has attracted public attention because it involves a presidential candidate and a security agency, making its handling particularly significant as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls.