DSS suspends Omoyele Sowore's cybercrime trial until after 2027 elections

The Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its counsel to seek a suspension of the cybercrime and cyber-bullying prosecution against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. The pause is intended to last until after the January 2027 general elections, a move the DSS describes as a matter of “fairness” to allow Sowore to campaign without legal encumbrance.

The case originated from August 2025 social media posts in which Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.” The DSS sought judicial interpretation on whether such language constitutes unlawful cyber-bullying under the Cybercrimes Act 2024. While the DSS maintains the action was to protect the President from “psychological attacks,” Sowore and his legal team have criticized the move.

Sowore has rejected the adjournment, demanding instead that the DSS withdraw all charges and issue a public apology. His legal counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, argued that the DSS lacks a prosecutorial mandate and suggested the agency should hand the case to the Ministry of Justice or discontinue it entirely to avoid the appearance of political manipulation.

While student groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have commended the decision as a step toward a level playing field, Sowore maintains the prosecution is an abuse of power aimed at criminalizing free speech.