The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its counsel, Akinolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek a suspension of the alleged cyberbullying case against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
The DSS reportedly wants the proceedings suspended to allow Sowore to participate fully in the election without the case serving as a potential distraction or hindrance to his campaign.
The agency had instituted the suit at the Federal High Court in September 2025, seeking a judicial interpretation of whether it is lawful to publicly describe President Bola Tinubu or any other individual as a criminal.
Before filing the suit, the DSS had reportedly given Sowore seven days to remove the posts that allegedly formed the basis of the case.
The decision to seek a suspension of the proceedings reportedly followed a meeting between DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, and senior legal officials on August 20, shortly after the commencement of presidential campaigns.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Ajayi argued that suspending the case would enable Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 presidential election without ongoing legal proceedings becoming an impediment.
The development is expected to reignite debate over the timing of the case, freedom of expression and the treatment of opposition candidates as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The DSS is expected to formally communicate its position to the Federal High Court when it resumes proceedings on September 14.
