The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a one-week ultimatum to human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, demanding that he delete a social media post described as “false, malicious, and inciting” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7 and signed by the DSS Director of Legal Services, Uwem Davies, the security agency said Sowore’s post, made on August 26 on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), contained derogatory and criminal accusations against the President.
The DSS warned that failure to take down the post would force the agency to “explore all lawful means” to protect national security and maintain public order.
The post in question was a reaction to President Tinubu’s comment during a recent state visit to Brazil. While speaking during the trip, President Tinubu claimed that since he took office, there was “no more corruption” in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
Responding on X, Sowore described the president as a “criminal” and accused him of lying to Nigerians.
In the post, Sowore wrote: “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!”
The DSS took issue with the statement, arguing that such remarks had the potential to spark unrest, disunity, or even lead to a national crisis.
According to the letter, the agency said Sowore’s comments had already generated anger among the public and could lead to “public disturbance, disunity, and even insurrection.”
The letter reads in part: “Your recent post on X, dated August 26, 2025, is considered false, malicious, and inciting. Your remarks against the President have caused tension among citizens and are capable of undermining public peace and national security. We hereby issue you a one-week ultimatum to delete the post and retract your statement.”
In response to the DSS warning, Omoyele Sowore, a vocal critic of successive Nigerian governments, refused to comply. In a follow-up post, he stated boldly that he would not retract or delete his comments, no matter the pressure.
“Even if you give me till the end of Tinubu’s tenure in 2027, I will NOT retract my statement,” Sowore wrote.
Sowore is the publisher of Sahara Reporters, a platform known for exposing corruption and abuse of power. He was also the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
This is not the first time Sowore is clashing with the DSS. In 2019, he was arrested and detained over his #RevolutionNow protest campaign, which called for widespread reforms and accountability in government.
The incident has raised serious concerns about freedom of expression in Nigeria. While the government insists it is working to maintain peace and national unity, critics argue that attempts to silence dissenting voices are becoming more frequent.
President Tinubu, who came into office in May 2023, has faced public criticism over his economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, devaluation of the naira, and the rising cost of living. Many Nigerians say they are still experiencing hardship despite the government’s promises of a better future.
Sowore’s post struck a chord with some Nigerians who believe the government has not lived up to its anti-corruption promises. However, others believe his language may have crossed the line.
As the deadline from the DSS draws closer, all eyes are on how the agency will respond if Sowore maintains his defiance and what this could mean for political freedom in the country.
For now, the activist remains firm: he won’t take down his words, even if it means facing legal action.
