DSS Files Criminal Charges Against Sowore Over Comments on President Tinubu
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count criminal charge against activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over remarks he made about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to court documents, Sowore is accused of using his verified social media platforms to publish what the DSS described as false and inciting statements. In posts made on his X handle and Facebook page on August 25 and 26, Sowore referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of lying about corruption being eradicated under his administration.
The DSS argues that the statements were not only false but made with the intent to cause public disorder. The agency also named social media giants X Corp. (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook) as co-defendants for hosting the allegedly offending content. The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, invokes provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024 as well as sections of the Criminal Code Act dealing with defamation and the publication of false information.
Reports indicate that Sowore had been given a one-week ultimatum earlier this month to delete the posts but failed to comply, prompting the security agency to proceed with legal action.
The development has sparked debate over free expression in Nigeria. Supporters of Sowore argue that his remarks fall within the ambit of legitimate political criticism, protected by constitutional rights. The government, however, insists that his statements cross the line into malicious falsehoods capable of inciting unrest.
Legal observers say the case could test the boundaries of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly regarding the liability of social media platforms for user-generated content. As at press time, the Federal High Court had not fixed a date for Sowore’s arraignment.
The charges mark the latest in a series of confrontations between the outspoken activist and Nigerian authorities, raising fresh questions about the balance between national security concerns and freedom of speech in a democratic setting.
