The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally requested that social media platform X (formerly Twitter) remove a post by Nigerian activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, citing violations of national security and local laws.
In a letter addressed to X CEO Linda Yaccarino, the DSS described Sowore’s August 25 tweet posted via his verified handle @YeleSowore as more than just political commentary. The agency claimed it constituted incitement and could potentially provoke public unrest.
The tweet in question referred directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
According to the DSS, the post qualifies as misinformation, hate speech, and online harassment. The agency further warned that such content could undermine Nigeria’s international image and inflame tensions within the country.
Citing multiple legal provisions including Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, sections of the Cybercrimes Act 2025, and elements of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 the DSS argued that both Sowore and X Corp. could be held accountable if the content remains online.
The letter, signed by DSS Director-General B. Bamigboye, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the post and its retweets to be removed. Failure to comply, it warned, could lead to “far-reaching” consequences from the Nigerian government.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between Nigerian authorities and digital activists, as the state continues to test the limits of free expression online.
A long-time critic of successive administrations, Sowore frequently uses his platforms to challenge government narratives.
Analysts see this latest confrontation as a critical test of how the government will navigate the balance between regulating online speech and upholding civil liberties.
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