The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has reversed its earlier decision to seek the suspension of the ongoing trial of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. According to sources, the DSS leadership has now directed its prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, to proceed with the prosecution. This decision comes after the agency expressed dissatisfaction with Sowore's continued criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The DSS had initially planned to seek a suspension of the trial until after the 2027 presidential election, citing a desire to allow Sowore to participate in the election without the case hanging over him. However, sources say the agency became displeased with Sowore's persistent criticism of Tinubu and his administration. As a result, the DSS has instructed its lawyer to continue prosecuting the case.
Sowore appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, a day after returning to Nigeria from the United States, for the continuation of his trial. His lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, was also present at the court. Olumide-Fusika reportedly learnt from the prosecution that the DSS would no longer pursue its previously announced plan to seek a lengthy adjournment of the trial.
The case stems from social media posts made by Sowore in which he referred to Tinubu as a "criminal". He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution is proceeding under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, with the Federal Government alleging that Sowore's posts amounted to criminal defamation/cyber-related offences.
When the DSS first announced its plan to suspend the case, Sowore mocked the agency and described the development as a victory for resistance. In a statement posted on X, he said the DSS had been forced to back down after pursuing what he described as an attempt to intimidate him through the judicial process.
The trial has been contentious, marked by repeated disagreements between the prosecution and defence teams. At the August 3 sitting, a heated exchange between Kehinde and Olumide-Fusika disrupted proceedings. Sowore has demanded that the DSS withdraw the charge against him, apologise and comply with court orders concerning fines imposed on the agency.
The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had expected that the proposed suspension of the trial would create an opportunity for Sowore to participate in the election without the case hanging over him, while also easing tensions surrounding the prosecution. However, the agency's decision to resume prosecution suggests that it will no longer tolerate Sowore's continued criticism of Tinubu.
Key points
- The DSS has reversed its decision to suspend the trial of Omoyele Sowore over his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Sowore's continued criticism of Tinubu prompted the DSS to abandon its plan to seek a lengthy adjournment of the trial.
- The trial is proceeding under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
