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SSS to seek suspension of Sowore’s cyberstalking trial amid growing 2027 electioneering
NG🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive16 hr. ago

SSS to seek suspension of Sowore’s cyberstalking trial amid growing 2027 electioneering

The Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) has requested the suspension of the cyberstalking trial of Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), to allow him to actively engage in the upcoming 2027 presidential election campaign. In a statement provided to Premium Times, the SSS indicated that the director general, Oluwatosin Ajayi, instructed the agency's legal team to pursue a temporary halt of the case. The trial, originally scheduled for 20 September, may be postponed until after the 2027 election. This move comes amid increasing political activity leading up to the election. However, the SSS has not clarified how it plans to handle the case if Sowore becomes the elected president. Constitutional lawyer Festus Ogun criticized the request, stating it lacks legal foundation and constitutes an abuse of the judicial process. Sowore faces charges related to alleged defamation of President Bola Tinubu, who is also running for president. The SSS previously issued a seven-day ultimatum for Sowore to remove critical social media posts about Tinubu, which he refused, leading to legal action.

4 reports

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 802 days ago
Nigeria will not miss World Cup for 8yrs if I become president — Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Nigeria's 2027 elections, made a campaign promise during the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon. He pledged that, if elected, Nigeria would not miss any FIFA World Cup during his eight-year presidency and would develop into a major global sports hub. Sowore emphasized the importance of sports for national development, citing Brazil and Kenya as successful examples. He criticized Nigeria's current sports administration, arguing that the country's athletic potential is wasted due to poor governance and lack of support. Sowore also highlighted specific areas where Nigeria lags, such as swimming and long-distance running, and called for improved infrastructure and investment in sports to create economic opportunities and global ambassadors.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Sowore's promises as ambitious and forward-thinking, emphasizing his vision for Nigeria's global sporting success. The tone suggests confidence in his ability to transform the nation's sports landscape, which aligns with progressive or left-leaning narratives that prioritize large

Why factuality (75): The article presents direct quotes from Omoyele Sowore regarding his promises as a presidential candidate. These statements appear consistent with the cross-source consensus, though some details like the specific event (Enugu City International Marathon) and his participation in the 10km race may re

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting Sowore's statements without overt bias or emotional language. However, it includes some evaluative phrases such as 'impressed with the first one' and 'important for promoting healthy living,' which slightly tilt toward positive framing of S

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter16 hr. ago
SSS justifies move to suspend Sowore’s cyberstalking trial

The Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) has stated that it seeks to suspend the cyberstalking trial against Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC). The SSS director general, Oluwatosin Ajayi, instructed the agency’s counsel to apply for a temporary suspension of the case to allow Sowore to participate in the 2027 electioneering processes. Sowore is being prosecuted for alleged defamation of President Bola Tinubu on social media. The case, which had been pending for nearly a year, will resume after the 2027 election. Legal experts argue that the SSS request lacks legal foundation and constitutes an abuse of judicial process. In response, the SSS cited several international conventions Nigeria is a signatory to, claiming the request is justified under principles protecting electoral participation. However, these conventions do not explicitly grant political candidates immunity from prosecution. The SSS plans to formally submit the request to the Federal High Court starting 14 September.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives: the SSS argues the suspension is justified under international law and democratic principles, while legal experts criticize the move as lacking legal basis and potentially politically motivated. The reporting remains balanced, presenting arguments from both S$

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenteryesterday
SSS to seek suspension of Sowore’s cyberstalking trial amid growing 2027 electioneering

The Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) has requested the suspension of the cyberstalking trial of Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), to allow him to actively engage in the upcoming 2027 presidential election campaign. In a statement provided to Premium Times, the SSS indicated that the director general, Oluwatosin Ajayi, instructed the agency's legal team to pursue a temporary halt of the case. The trial, originally scheduled for 20 September, may be postponed until after the 2027 election. This move comes amid increasing political activity leading up to the election. However, the SSS has not clarified how it plans to handle the case if Sowore becomes the elected president. Constitutional lawyer Festus Ogun criticized the request, stating it lacks legal foundation and constitutes an abuse of the judicial process. Sowore faces charges related to alleged defamation of President Bola Tinubu, who is also running for president. The SSS previously issued a seven-day ultimatum for Sowore to remove critical social media posts about Tinubu, which he refused, leading to legal action.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the SSS's request to suspend the trial and the opposing view from a constitutional lawyer, providing balanced perspectives without overtly favoring either side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal and procedural aspects rather than taking a stance on the case

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentCenteryesterday
DSS to suspend Sowore cybercrime case till after 2027 election

The Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) has instructed its legal team to suspend a cyberbullying case against opposition presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election. The decision follows a meeting where DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi stated that pausing the case would allow Sowore to fully engage in the electoral process without interference. The case, which involves allegations that Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as a 'criminal' on social media, was initially brought by the DSS seeking judicial clarification on the legality of such remarks. Sowore refused to remove the posts after being given seven days to do so. The DSS plans to formally request the Federal High Court to suspend the case starting September 14, 2026, during the court's resumption of sessions after its annual vacation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the DSS's decision to suspend the case as a procedural measure aimed at allowing Sowore to participate freely in the election, without overtly criticizing either side. While the case involves a high-profile political figure and potential implications for free speech, the framing

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