DSS Seeks Suspension of Sowore Cyberbullying Case Until After 2027 Election

The Department of State Services has instructed its private counsel to seek the suspension of a cyberbullying case against African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore until after the January 16, 2027, election. The move is intended to allow Sowore to participate fully in the upcoming presidential campaign without the hindrance of ongoing court proceedings. The decision followed an August 20, 2026, meeting involving DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Akinolu Kehinde, and senior officials of the agency's legal directorate. According to sources familiar with the matter, Ajayi directed that the case be paused, reasoning that continuing the criminal proceedings during the campaign period could interfere with Sowore's electoral participation. The DSS leadership reportedly considered it fair to adjourn the matter, noting the case had already been in court for nearly a year and that suspending it for approximately four more months would not substantially affect it. The DSS is expected to formally communicate this request to the Federal High Court when it resumes normal sittings on September 14, 2026, following the annual judicial vacation.