DSS Demands Deactivation of Sowore’s X Account Over Tinubu Comment
- Nigeria News
- 08.09.2025
- 1 Comment
- 40
DSS Demands Deactivation of Sowore’s X Account Over Tinubu Comment
intelligence agency, has called on X (formerly Twitter) to urgently
deactivate the verified account of Omoyele Sowore, a well-known
activist, journalist, and politician. The demand came after Sowore described
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” in an
August 25, 2025 post.The DSS insists that Sowore’s statement not only insults the President but also
threatens Nigeria’s national security by potentially inciting violence among
citizens. The case has since sparked a heated debate about
free speech, political opposition, online censorship,
and government overreach in Nigeria.
on behalf of the Director-General of DSS was sent to
X Corporation. The letter expressed strong disapproval of Sowore’s
August 25 post and demanded the following actions within
24 hours:
- Immediate removal of the tweet describing President Tinubu as a criminal.
- Full deactivation of Sowore’s verified X account.
- A formal compliance report confirming that the actions had been taken.
The DSS warned that if X Corporation failed to comply, the agency would
implement “far-reaching measures” against both the platform
and Sowore himself. This included potential criminal prosecution
under Nigerian law.
international community and had the capacity to
incite unrest. The DSS noted that several supporters of the
President had already begun protesting in the streets, citing Sowore’s tweet
as justification for their actions.The statement read in part:
“The said tweet is still in circulation and has attracted widespread
condemnation by majority of Nigerians, some of whom may resort to unwholesome
activities… especially supporters of the President who have started taking to
the streets in protest, thereby creating political tension and threatening the
country’s national security.”
Allegations Against Sowore’s Post
The DSS categorized Sowore’s controversial statement as:
- Misleading information that could distort public perception.
- Online harassment targeting the President.
- Hate speech with the potential to divide Nigerians.
- Disunity propaganda that damages Nigeria’s global image.
By citing the Criminal Code Act, the
Cybercrime Act of 2015, and the
Terrorism Prevention Act, the DSS suggested that Sowore’s post
could legally amount to domestic terrorism.
founder of Sahara Reporters, an online news platform known for
exposing corruption and government misconduct. He has been a
long-time critic of successive Nigerian governments and has
previously contested in presidential elections.
Sowore’s confrontational style and outspoken criticism of the
establishment have repeatedly put him at odds with authorities.
His activism has led to multiple arrests, detentions,
and charges over the years. This latest clash with the DSS
reflects a continuing battle between him and the Nigerian government.
criminal liability if the tweet remains accessible.
By invoking multiple laws, including those against cybercrime and terrorism,
the agency framed the matter as one of national security rather
than mere defamation.This framing allows the DSS to pursue severe penalties, including
long-term imprisonment or fines. For X Corporation, the threat could
mean restricted operations in Nigeria, fines,
or even potential blocking of the platform if non-compliance continues.
President Tinubu argue that Sowore’s statement was reckless and disrespectful.
They maintain that labeling the President as a criminal without proof
is defamatory and undermines the office of the Presidency.On the other hand, Sowore’s supporters see the DSS action as another attempt
to silence opposition voices and suppress
freedom of expression. Many Nigerians argue that
social media platforms should not be forced into compliance with
political censorship requests.
Hashtags such as #IStandWithSowore and
#FreeSpeechInNigeria have trended online, with
users urging X not to bow to government pressure.
about how far governments can go in controlling social media content.
X Corporation, owned by Elon Musk, has often positioned itself as
a defender of free expression.If X complies, it could set a precedent for governments worldwide
to request account deactivations for political critics.
If X refuses, however, the platform risks restrictions in Nigeria,
one of Africa’s largest digital markets.
X Corporation has not released an official statement regarding the DSS letter.
It remains unclear whether the company will comply with the
24-hour ultimatum.Meanwhile, Sowore has continued posting on his account,
doubling down on his criticisms of the Tinubu administration
and accusing the DSS of attempting to silence dissent.
X account highlights the growing tension between
state security agencies and
political activists in Nigeria.While the agency insists that the move is necessary to
protect national security and prevent unrest, critics argue
it is another step toward shrinking civic space and
curbing free speech.
The outcome of this standoff between the Nigerian government,
Omoyele Sowore, and X Corporation will likely shape future
conversations about digital rights, government censorship,
and democracy in Nigeria.
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