DSS Sues Sowore, X, and Meta Over Anti-Tinubu Posts

DSS Sues Sowore, X, and Meta Over Anti-Tinubu Posts

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge against Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, alongside social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporation, over posts criticizing President Bola Tinubu. The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 16, 2025, alleges that Sowore’s posts, which described President Tinubu as a “criminal,” constituted a set of “novel” offenses .

The controversy stems from Sowore’s posts on X and Facebook on August 25 and 26, 2025, where he accused President Tinubu of dishonesty regarding corruption during his official visit to Brazil. Despite the DSS’s request to X demanding the removal of the posts, Sowore refused to delete the tweets, leading to the current lawsuit .

Reacting to the development, Sowore expressed his determination to defend himself, stating, “It’s hard to believe there’s anyone sensible left in these offices that should be making Nigeria work. Regardless, I will be present whenever this case is assigned for trial. #RevolutionNow.” He also confirmed that X had notified him of the DSS’s request, but he chose not to delete the post .

The DSS alleges that Sowore’s posts .
Sowore’s posts were deemed defamatory, with the DSS claiming that they undermined the President’s reputation.
The DSS argues that Sowore’s posts were capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order.
The charges against Sowore include violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

The case has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, but no date has been fixed for Sowore’s arraignment. The outcome of this case may have implications for freedom of expression and social media regulation in Nigeria .