DSS Seeks Adjournment of Sowore's Trial Until After 2027 Elections

The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its counsel, Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek an adjournment of the cybercrime case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 general election. This decision followed a meeting involving DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, Kehinde, and senior officials in the agency’s legal directorate on August 20, 2026.

The meeting focused on the possibility of putting the case on hold to allow Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 presidential election without court proceedings interfering with his campaign. Sowore is expected to contest the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, under the AAC platform.

The DSS had approached the court to determine whether Sowore’s August 25, 2025, posts on his social media platforms, in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal,” constituted cyber-bullying. The trial commenced in January 2026, with Sowore pleading not guilty to the allegations.

This development raises questions about the intersection of legal proceedings and political participation, highlighting the complexities involved in balancing judicial processes with electoral activities.