Fresh Twist: DSS Withdraws Plan To Pause Sowore’s Trial Until After 2027

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly reversed its earlier plan to seek a lengthy adjournment of the ongoing trial of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 general election.

Sources familiar with the development reportedly said the security agency has directed its prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), to proceed with the case rather than pursue the proposed suspension.

The development marks a change from the position reportedly adopted by the DSS in August, when the agency instructed its counsel to seek an adjournment to enable Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 election campaign without the court proceedings becoming a hindrance.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the latest decision followed concerns within the agency over Sowore’s continued public criticism of President Bola Tinubu and his administration, although those claims were attributed to sources familiar with the matter.

The sources alleged that the DSS leadership had initially considered the adjournment as a way of allowing Sowore to participate in the electoral process while reducing tensions surrounding the case.

However, they claimed that the agency subsequently changed its position amid what the sources described as Sowore’s continued criticism of the administration and his political activities ahead of the 2027 election.

The sources said Kehinde was consequently directed to continue with the prosecution.

Sowore appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as proceedings in the case continued. His lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), was also present.

According to reports, the defence team was informed by the prosecution that the DSS would no longer pursue its earlier plan to request a lengthy adjournment.

The case concerns allegations arising from social media posts in which Sowore allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal.” The DSS had previously sought judicial determination over whether such a description of the President or another individual could be made without a prior judicial determination.

The latest development means the prosecution is expected to continue with the case rather than wait until after the 2027 general election.