DSS Requests Deactivation of Sowore’s Account Over Tweet Targeting Tinubu

In a fresh showdown over free speech and digital rights, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has formally written to X (formerly Twitter), demanding the deactivation of activist Omoyele Sowore’s verified account. This follows a tweet in which he criticized President Bola Tinubu, calling him a “criminal” over remarks made during his visit to Brazil that there was “no more corruption” in Nigeria.

In a letter dated September 6, 2025, signed by B. Bamigboye on behalf of the DSS Director-General, the agency described the remark as “inflammatory, misleading, and capable of inciting violence.” It warned that the tweet had already sparked protests from supporters of the president and posed a threat to national security.

The DSS argued that Sowore’s post violated several Nigerian laws, including Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, Sections 19, 22, and 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2025, and provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. The agency urged X to remove the tweet and deactivate Sowore’s handle within 24 hours, or face “far-reaching, sweeping measures.”

DSS Requests Deactivation of Sowore’s Account Over Tweet Targeting Tinubu- OLORISUPERGAL MEDIA — Sowore rejects DSS demand to deactivate his X account after anti‑Tinubu tweet. IMAGE SOURCE: SOWORE’s Twitter

Sowore, in turn, dismissed the demand as “another act of national disgrace” and vowed not to delete the post. He branded the DSS action as “state-sponsored harassment” and likened it to former tactics used under previous administrations.

Meanwhile, X notified Sowore that it had received a legal request from the DSS but had not yet taken any action. The platform reaffirmed its policy of transparency by informing users when government agencies seek to remove content.

Amnesty International also weighed in, calling the DSS demand “outrageous” and insisting it violates Nigeria’s obligations under both its Constitution and international human rights law. The organisation urged X to stand firm and not bow to censorship pressure.

This confrontation once again raises critical questions about the boundaries of digital dissent, state power, and freedom of expression in Nigeria. As the DSS pushes for Sowore’s account to be deactivated, civil society and media advocates are keenly watching how the platform will respond—and how far the government will go to silence a dissenting voice.

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