The Department of State Services (DSS) has given activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, a seven-day deadline to retract what it calls a “false, malicious, and inciting” social media post regarding President Bola Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, the DSS accused Sowore of making “criminal and derogatory” statements in an August 26 post on X (formerly Twitter), where he allegedly labeled Tinubu a “criminal” and claimed that the president lied to Nigerians by stating in Brazil that corruption no longer existed under his administration.
The DSS, represented by its Director of Legal Services, Uwem Davies, stated that Sowore’s remarks could incite public unrest, division, and even rebellion.
“The statements are offensive, derogatory, and disrespectful towards the holder of the highest office in the country,” the letter stated, warning that non-compliance would lead the agency to take legal measures to protect national security and public order.
Read also:
- Sowore blasts DSS over letter to Elon Musk demanding deletion of posts against Tinubu
- DSS petitions Elon Musk, seeks suspension of Sowore’s X account over attacks on Tinubu
- Sowore in court for alleged defamation, forgery of police documents
The DSS instructed Sowore to retract the post on X with equal visibility as the original, and publish a public apology in at least two national newspapers, and on two television stations with nationwide reach.
It also asked Sowore to submit a formal response to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja or via official email within one week.
The agency also mentioned that a copy of the letter was sent to the United States Embassy in Abuja, noting Sowore’s dual residency in Nigeria and the U.S., suggesting international interest in the situation.
Reminding Sowore of his position as a former presidential candidate and democracy advocate, the DSS urged him to act with restraint and responsibility in his public statements.
“Individuals of your stature should maintain high integrity and ensure their comments promote peace, security, and good governance,” it stated.
The service emphasized that it has a constitutional obligation to prevent the spread of false information, warning that it would not hesitate to take action within the law if Sowore does not comply with its requests.
