Nigeria's DSS seeks to suspend Omoyele Sowore's prosecution

Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the Director-General of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), has approached the Federal High Court to request a suspension of the prosecution of Omoyele Sowore, a presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC). The request seeks to pause the legal proceedings until after the 2027 presidential election.

The DSS has clarified that it is not seeking to terminate the case or determine Sowore’s guilt, but rather to prevent the prosecution from unnecessarily complicating the democratic process during a sensitive election period. If granted, the legal proceedings would resume following the election.

The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) has welcomed the move, describing it as a victory for fair play and a demonstration of commitment to the rule of law and electoral integrity. The FDA noted that the decision aligns with international democratic principles by ensuring no presidential candidate is placed at a procedural disadvantage due to pending criminal proceedings during an election cycle.