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DSS moves to halt Sowore’s cybercrime trial until after 2027 election

Published

2 months ago

August 30, 2026

DSS moves to halt Sowore’s cybercrime trial until after 2027 election

The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its private counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek an adjournment of the ongoing cybercrime case against Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is scheduled to contest the presidential election on January 16, 2027.

The proposed move would allow Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 election campaign without the pending court proceedings becoming an obstacle to his political activities.

The DSS has not withdrawn the case, and the proposed suspension has not yet been granted by the court. Rather, the agency is expected to formally ask the Federal High Court to defer further proceedings until after the election.

The development followed a reported meeting on August 20 between DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, Kehinde and senior officials of the agency’s legal directorate.

According to a source familiar with the meeting, the DSS leadership considered the implications of the commencement of the presidential campaign on the case and concluded that Sowore should be allowed to exercise his constitutional right to contest the election without the pending proceedings hindering his campaign.

The meeting reportedly took place shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaigns for the 2027 presidential election.

The source said the DSS considered the case to have already been before the court for almost a year and believed that postponing further proceedings for several months would not materially affect the matter.

The DSS is expected to formally communicate its position to the Federal High Court when regular proceedings resume following the annual judicial vacation.

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Kehinde subsequently confirmed the proposed move, saying the decision reflected what he described as the “civilised approach” of the current DSS leadership.

He said the agency was committed to providing a level playing field for political candidates and confirmed that the legal team would seek the court’s indulgence to adjourn the proceedings.

The case originated from social media posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, on his X account and Facebook page.

In the posts, Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”, prompting the DSS to challenge the publications.

The security agency subsequently demanded that Sowore remove the posts.

When he declined to do so, the DSS approached the Federal High Court in September 2025, asking the court to determine whether the publications amounted to cyber-bullying and whether describing the President or another individual as a criminal without a court conviction was legally permissible.

The agency maintained that its action was intended to obtain judicial clarification rather than simply restrict Sowore’s political activities.

The DSS also argued that its statutory responsibilities include protecting the President from threats beyond physical attacks.

In a September 6, 2025 communication to Meta, the agency reportedly argued that its mandate extended to protecting the President from what it described as psychological attacks.

The security agency approached the court without initially arresting or inviting Sowore for questioning, seeking judicial determination of the issues raised by the publications.

The case has since generated controversy over freedom of expression, cybercrime laws and political rights, particularly because Sowore is a prominent opposition figure and presidential candidate.

Sowore has consistently denied wrongdoing and criticised the prosecution, while the DSS has maintained that the case raises legitimate legal questions surrounding online publications and the protection of public institutions.

The proceedings have also experienced several delays.

In May 2026, the Federal High Court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for him to enter a defence.

The ruling paved the way for the defence stage of the trial.

The proceedings subsequently became subject to further disagreements between the prosecution and defence over adjournments and other procedural matters.

The proposed DSS request therefore represents a significant development in the case because it would effectively place the proceedings on hold during the crucial months of the 2027 presidential campaign.

The agency is also reportedly reviewing other cases involving candidates contesting elective positions.

The review is expected to determine whether similar considerations should apply where ongoing prosecutions could interfere with candidates’ participation in the electoral process.

The development comes as political parties and presidential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 election.

Sowore is expected to campaign on the platform of the AAC and challenge President Tinubu and other presidential contenders.

The decision to seek an adjournment could consequently remove an immediate legal distraction for the AAC candidate during the campaign period.

However, the proposed adjournment does not amount to an acquittal, dismissal or withdrawal of charges.

If the Federal High Court grants the application, the case would remain pending and could resume after the presidential election.

This means the underlying legal dispute over Sowore’s social media posts would remain unresolved until the proceedings recommence.

The case has also renewed debate over the appropriate treatment of political candidates facing criminal proceedings during election campaigns.

Supporters of a postponement may argue that candidates should be allowed to participate fully in elections without avoidable legal distractions, while critics could question whether election participation should affect the normal progression of a criminal case.

The DSS’s position is that allowing the case to continue after the election would not prejudice the prosecution, particularly given that the matter has already spent considerable time before the court.

The final decision, however, rests with the court.

The Federal High Court will determine whether the circumstances justify postponing further proceedings until after the 2027 presidential election.

Until that ruling is made, the Sowore cybercrime case remains active and pending before the court.

The next stage will therefore depend on the formal application by the DSS and the response of Sowore’s defence team.

If granted, the adjournment would give Sowore a temporary legal reprieve as he campaigns for the presidency, while leaving the substantive issues raised by the DSS to be determined after the election.

DSS moves to halt Sowore’s cybercrime trial until after 2027 election

Related Topics:cybercrime DSS Election Sowore

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Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Published

8 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy with his opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a Senate debate on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, which seeks to replace criminal punishment for suicide attempts with medical treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” Akpabio said.

He reiterated his position, warning that anyone who attempted suicide but survived would be jailed.

His comments came as the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative scrutiny despite his opposition.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, the bill seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, early intervention, treatment and long-term support for people who survive suicide attempts.

Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework contains a contradiction because the National Mental Health Act 2021 recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

He specifically cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which expose people who survive suicide attempts to possible criminal punishment under applicable laws.

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The senator said criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking professional help. It could also make families conceal incidents for fear of prosecution and stigma, while undermining the collection of reliable data needed to strengthen prevention efforts.

Ekpenyong challenged lawmakers to consider whether a person who survives a suicide attempt should face prosecution or receive protection and medical care.

He maintained that decriminalising attempted suicide would not mean encouraging suicide or excusing anyone who assists, persuades or procures another person to take their life. Rather, the proposal would recognise suicide prevention as a public health responsibility requiring coordinated medical, psychological and social support.

The bill proposes a framework for medical assessment, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for survivors. It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns and training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers to help them identify and respond appropriately to people experiencing suicidal distress.

Another proposed measure is the establishment of a national data system to improve understanding of suicide attempts and support evidence-based prevention programmes.

During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but questioned how the proposed legislation would work in practice to prevent suicide.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also raised concerns about the legal implications of the proposal, particularly how amendments involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code would apply across Nigeria’s states.

Bamidele urged lawmakers to examine the relationship between federal legislation and state legal frameworks to avoid conflicts during implementation.

Akpabio similarly called for input from state Houses of Assembly during the proposed public hearing, arguing that the legal implications of amending the existing provisions required careful consideration.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, welcomed the proposal and said the legislative process would provide an opportunity for medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.

The bill’s supporters argue that people who survive suicide attempts should not automatically be treated as criminals without consideration of the circumstances that led to the crisis. They maintain that punishment alone cannot address the underlying psychological, social or medical factors associated with suicidal behaviour.

The Senate’s decision to pass the bill for second reading does not mean that the proposed changes have become law. The legislation has been referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration, including a public hearing.

Until the legislative process is completed and any resulting law takes effect, attempted suicide remains punishable under applicable provisions of Nigeria’s existing criminal laws.

The debate has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention and the treatment of survivors, with lawmakers now facing further scrutiny of whether criminal penalties or a health-centred response should take priority.

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

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Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

Published

8 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspects in two separate investigations involving suspected human body parts and the alleged removal of human heads from graves, amid concerns about crimes reportedly linked to money-making rituals.

The cases involve the recovery of two suspected human hands along Bakase Road in Alapa, Moro Local Government Area, and the alleged exhumation of graves at a cemetery in Omupo, Kwara State.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed the arrests during a security briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as the command announced operations targeting suspected criminal activities across the state.

In the Alapa case, police arrested Kamalden Lukmon and AbdulGaniyu Ibrahim after recovering two suspected human hands on October 8.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly intended to use the body parts for money-making rituals.

The suspects reportedly told investigators that a vigilante member identified as Abdulraf Apata had handed the suspected human hands over to them. Police said the allegation was being investigated to establish how the body parts were obtained and whether other individuals were involved.

The command has not publicly established the identity of the possible victim or the circumstances surrounding the origin of the suspected human hands. The allegations against the suspects and the person they reportedly named have yet to be determined by a court.

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In a separate investigation, police arrested Abu Jimoh and Ayo Jimoh over the alleged exhumation of graves and removal of human heads from a cemetery in Omupo.

The case reportedly came to light in May 2026 when residents visited the cemetery to bury a deceased person and discovered that some graves had been disturbed and the heads of bodies buried there were missing.

The discovery prompted a police investigation into the suspected grave exhumation and the whereabouts of the missing remains.

The commissioner said the two suspects were arrested at about 5 a.m. on October 8 while they were allegedly digging graves at the cemetery.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly named Mukaila Bello, a herbalist, as the alleged buyer of the missing human heads. However, the police account did not establish whether Bello had been arrested or whether the allegation against him had been independently verified.

Investigators were continuing efforts to establish the full circumstances of the incident, locate the missing remains and determine whether other people were involved.

The police have not established a direct connection between the Omupo cemetery case and the separate recovery of suspected human hands in Alapa. The incidents remain distinct investigations.

The arrests were among several security cases discussed during the commissioner’s briefing, at which the command reportedly presented 17 suspects linked to various alleged offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, child abuse and illegal possession of firearms. The figure covers multiple cases and does not refer solely to the four suspects in the human-parts investigations.

The latest developments have drawn attention to concerns about ritual-related crime and the unlawful handling of human remains in parts of Kwara State. Investigations are expected to establish the facts behind the allegations and determine whether further arrests or prosecutions are warranted.

In a separate incident earlier in 2026, a suspect identified as Hamza Woru was reportedly arrested in Kaiama over the alleged possession of a human skull said to have been exhumed from a deceased relative’s grave. That case is separate from the October investigations in Omupo and Alapa.

The police urged residents to report suspicious activities, particularly around cemeteries and other locations where criminal conduct may be taking place. Community leaders and other stakeholders were also encouraged to provide credible information that could assist investigations and help prevent crime.

The command said it would continue intelligence-led operations to identify suspected offenders, investigate criminal networks and strengthen public safety across the state.

The four suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless the allegations against them are established in court.

Money Rituals: Four Arrested in Kwara Over Suspected Human Parts

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Osogbo Cultism Crackdown: Six Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs, Charms

Published

9 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan

Osogbo Cultism Crackdown: Six Suspects Arrested as Police Recover Drugs, Charms

The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital, as security operatives intensify efforts to curb cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

The suspects were allegedly associated with the Eiye Confraternity and were linked by investigators to a suspected gang operating around Mackay Junction in Osogbo, where residents have raised concerns about criminal activities and threats to public safety.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, saying the operation followed directives from the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, to strengthen security and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.

According to the command, operatives recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of drug-related activities during the raids.

The six suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly connected to the Eiye Confraternity and a suspected criminal network operating in the Mackay Junction area. However, the allegations against them have yet to be established in court.

Reports by Nigerian media outlets indicated that the suspects had been charged to court, although further details about the charges and proceedings were not immediately available.

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The arrests come amid renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Osogbo. In a separate incident, two people were reportedly killed in an attack involving suspected rival cult groups in the state capital.

The reported killings have heightened concerns about the activities of suspected cult groups and the risk of further violence. However, the police have not publicly established a direct link between the six suspects arrested in the latest raids and the separate fatal incident.

The latest operation forms part of the command’s wider efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks, prevent violent confrontations and improve public safety across Osun State.

The Commissioner of Police urged parents, guardians, community leaders, landlords and residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and providing credible information that could assist investigations.

He also warned young people against cultism, illicit drug use and criminal associations, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing violence and protecting lives and property.

The command said it would sustain intelligence-led operations in identified criminal hideouts and other areas considered security threats. It also encouraged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.

The police maintained that the operations were aimed at strengthening security across the state and ensuring that individuals suspected of criminal activities were brought before the appropriate authorities.