DSS Moves To Pause Sowore Cybercrime Case Until After 2027 Election

The Department of State Services has moved to pause its cybercrime case against Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election, according to reports from three Nigerian outlets.

The reports say the DSS directed its private counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek an adjournment so Sowore can continue his political activities before the election. Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, is expected to contest the poll scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The case followed social media posts in which Sowore described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”. Channels TV reported that the DSS issued him a seven-day ultimatum after the posts appeared on X and Facebook on August 25, 2025, before going to the Federal High Court on September 16, 2025.

X and Meta were initially joined in the matter, but the Federal High Court in Abuja later struck out the two technology companies, leaving Sowore as the sole defendant.

Punch reported that the DSS leadership discussed the planned pause at an August 20 meeting with the agency’s legal team. Daily Trust also reported that the agency wants the case halted to allow Sowore to participate fully in campaign activities.

The reports did not say the case had been withdrawn. They said the agency was expected to formally communicate the suspension request to the court through its counsel.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust, Channels TV