Omoyele Sowore
PicNews
The Department of State Services (DSS) has given Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, a one-week ultimatum to retract a social media post deemed “false, malicious, and inciting” against President Bola Tinubu. The DSS accused Sowore of making “criminal and derogatory” remarks against the President in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 26, 2025, where he described Tinubu as a “criminal” for claiming that corruption no longer exists under his administration.
The DSS claims that Sowore’s post was designed to incite hatred and disaffection against the President and his administration. According to the secret police, the post was “false, malicious, and inciting,” and its publication has the potential to disrupt public order and national security. The DSS warned that failure to comply with its demands would lead to “exploring all lawful means” to protect national security and public order.
Sowore has responded defiantly, stating he won’t withdraw his statement even if given until the end of Tinubu’s tenure in 2027. He argued that the DSS lacks the authority to dictate what Nigerians can or cannot say, and that the agency’s actions are an attempt to suppress free speech. Sowore’s stance has sparked a debate about the limits of free speech and the role of security agencies in regulating public discourse.
The DSS also copied the United States Embassy in Abuja in its correspondence to Sowore, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivity of the matter given Sowore’s dual residency in Nigeria and the US. This move underscores the potential international implications of the case. The agency’s decision to involve the US Embassy has raised questions about the potential consequences of the case for Nigeria’s international relations.
As the deadline for Sowore’s retraction approaches, the controversy surrounding the case continues to grow. Many are watching to see how Sowore will respond to the DSS’s demands and what implications this will have for free speech and national security in Nigeria. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy and the rights of its citizens.
