Omoyele Sowore has rejected the Department of State Services’ plan to ask the Federal High Court to pause his cybercrime trial until after the 2027 presidential election, saying the case should be withdrawn rather than put on hold.
The African Action Congress presidential candidate made the demand on Monday, August 31, 2026, during an appearance on The Morning Brief. His reaction came a day after reports that the DSS had directed its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek a suspension of the proceedings.
The proposed move followed an August 20 meeting involving DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi, Kehinde and senior officials of the agency’s Legal Directorate. The stated reason for considering a pause is to allow Sowore to take part fully in the 2027 election campaign without the court case becoming a hindrance.
Sowore said he did not want another adjournment. Instead, he called on the security agency to end the prosecution and apologise for what he described as a wrongful trial.
“We want you [DSS] to apologise for doing this to us and to show that you compensate people who are wrongfully tried.”
The case stems from social-media posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, after comments by President Bola Tinubu during an official visit to Brazil. The DSS alleges that Sowore referred to the President as a “criminal” and subsequently sought legal action after he did not remove the posts following the agency’s demand.
The prosecution initially included X and Meta as co-defendants. Those companies were later removed after the charge was amended, leaving Sowore facing a two-count case. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
In May, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission. The judge held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, meaning the defendant was required to present his defence. The ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt.
The proceedings have also involved disputes over Sowore’s bail and travel documents. In June, the court granted him ₦200 million bail and ordered him to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar pending determination of the case.
The DSS is expected to formally approach the Federal High Court over the proposed suspension when the court resumes normal sittings after its annual vacation. Reports indicate that the matter is scheduled to return in September.
For now, Sowore’s position is clear: he does not want the proceedings merely delayed until after the election. He wants the DSS to withdraw the charges and apologise, leaving the court to determine any formal application that comes before it.
