Sowore Blasts DSS for Trying to Deactivate His Facebook Account

Sowore condemned the DSS move, describing it as “lawless,” “incompetent,”
and a distraction from the agency’s failure to address urgent national security
threats. His reaction has fueled public debate on freedom of speech,
social media censorship, and the boundaries of political criticism in Nigeria.

DSS Moves Against Sowore’s Social Media Accounts

The DSS’s action against Sowore’s Facebook account came less than
24 hours after it had written to X (formerly Twitter) demanding
the removal of a similar post. In the post, dated August 26, 2025,
Sowore described President Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of lying during
an official visit to Brazil. The DSS insisted that the post was
defamatory, dangerous to national security,
and capable of inciting violence.

Sowore, however, has refused to delete the post. Instead, he
has publicized DSS’s requests, sharing copies of their letters on his verified
X account and accusing the agency of using intimidation tactics.

The DSS Letter to Meta

The letter addressed to Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California,
was signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the DSS Director-General.
It carried the subject line:
“Misleading Information and Willful Intention to Further an Ideology Capable
of Serious Harm, Incitement to Violence, Cyber Crime, Hate Speech to Discredit/Disparage
the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Cause Serious Threat to National Security.”

The DSS demanded the immediate deactivation of Sowore’s Facebook page,
as well as any other accounts maintained by him. The letter set a
24-hour compliance deadline expiring on September 8, 2025.

The agency cited various legal provisions to support its demand, including:

• Section 51 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
• Sections 19, 22, and 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2025.
• The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

According to the DSS, Sowore’s Facebook post constituted misleading information,
hate speech, and cybercrime, which collectively amount to a threat to
national security.

Sowore’s Response

In response, Sowore dismissed the DSS demand as evidence of the agency’s
incompetence and misplaced priorities. Writing on his
verified X account, he said:

“Too idle and incompetent to secure Nigeria… has now written to @facebook,
begging them to delete content they find ‘offensive’ to their equally idle,
tired, and criminal Commander-in-Chief.”

Sowore further accused the DSS of ignoring real security challenges,
including the killing of over 130 citizens in a recent attack, while instead
focusing on silencing online dissent.

Related News:

DSS Demands Deactivation of Sowore’s X Account Over Tinubu Comment

However, human rights advocates and Sowore’s supporters insist that the DSS
is weaponizing national security laws to suppress
legitimate political criticism. They warn that if Meta complies, it would
set a dangerous precedent for government censorship of social media
platforms.

Others condemned the agency’s actions as undemocratic
and a distraction from urgent national issues such as
economic hardship, unemployment, and insecurity.
Hashtags such as #StandWithSowore and
#FreeSpeechInNigeria trended on X as Nigerians
called on Meta to resist political pressure.

Tech analysts note that this case could set a
precedent for how governments interact with social media giants.
It also tests Meta’s longstanding position on
freedom of speech vs. platform responsibility.

While the DSS insists its actions are meant to safeguard national stability,
critics argue that such moves threaten civil liberties
and expose a growing pattern of authoritarian control
over digital spaces.

Whether Meta complies with the DSS’s demand or resists government pressure
remains to be seen. However, this controversy will likely influence
the future of digital rights, political activism, and
free speech in Nigeria.