The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its private counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek an adjournment of the alleged cyberbullying case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.
The development follows a decision by the leadership of the security agency to allow Sowore to fully participate in the electoral process without the pending court proceedings becoming an impediment to his campaign.
According to reports, DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, met with the senior lawyer and officials of the agency’s legal directorate on August 20, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on political campaigns.
The meeting reportedly considered pausing the case in view of Sowore’s participation in the forthcoming presidential election, scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The DSS is said to have taken the position that, having spent almost a year before the court, suspending proceedings for a few additional months would not materially affect the case.
The case arose from social media posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
The DSS subsequently approached the Federal High Court seeking judicial determination on whether such a description of the President or any individual without a court conviction was lawful.
The agency had earlier given Sowore a seven-day ultimatum to remove the posts, which he reportedly declined to do.
The DSS is also said to have directed its legal team to review similar cases involving other candidates contesting elective positions in the 2027 elections, with a view to ensuring a level playing field.
Kehinde, SAN, reportedly confirmed the proposed adjournment, describing the move as consistent with what he called the “civilised approach” of the current DSS leadership and its desire to ensure equal opportunity for political candidates.
The DSS is expected to formally approach the Federal High Court for the adjournment when normal court sittings resume on September 14, 2026, following the annual judicial vacation.
If granted, the adjournment would effectively put further proceedings in the case on hold until after the 2027 presidential election.
