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The Department of State Services (DSS) has given activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore a one-week ultimatum to retract what it described as a “false, malicious, and inciting” social media post about President Bola Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, the DSS accused Sowore of making “criminal and derogatory” remarks against the President in an X (formerly Twitter) post on August 26, 2025.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and pro-democracy activist, had described Tinubu as a “criminal,” accusing him of lying about the absence of corruption in his administration. According to the DSS, the comments had “sparked anger among citizens” and could “incite public disturbance, disunity, and even insurrection.”
“The description of the President is false, malicious, and capable of causing public disorder, disunity, and breakdown of law and order. These statements are odious, repugnant, derogatory, and uncomplimentary towards the highest office in the country,” the letter, signed by Director of Legal Services Uwem Davies, read in part.
The DSS directed Sowore to retract the post immediately on X with the same prominence as the original. It also demanded that he publish a public apology in at least two national newspapers and two television stations with nationwide coverage.
Additionally, Sowore was ordered to send a formal representation to DSS headquarters at No. 1 Maitama Avenue, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, or via official email, within one week of receiving the letter.
The Service further revealed that it had copied the United States Embassy in Abuja, noting Sowore’s dual residency in Nigeria and the U.S., which it suggested had drawn diplomatic attention to the case.
Reminding Sowore of his role as a political figure, the DSS stressed that those seeking to play leading roles in Nigeria’s democracy must “exercise restraint and responsibility in both speech and action.”
“Persons of your status, who are campaigning to lead this country, must demonstrate high integrity and tailor their comments towards promoting peace, security, and good governance,” the agency stated.
It added that its constitutional mandate includes preventing the spread of false propaganda and warned that it would not hesitate to act if Sowore failed to comply.
“The DSS shall, without further recourse to you, initiate measures it deems most appropriate within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter concluded.
