The recent clash between Omoyele Sowore, Nigeria’s pro-democracy activist, and the Department of State Services (DSS) has raised fresh debates about free speech, censorship, and digital rights in Nigeria. The controversy stems from a tweet Sowore posted about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which the DSS demanded be removed from X (formerly Twitter). Here’s a breakdown of what happened, the legal implications, and why this case matters.
What Sparked the Controversy?
On August 25, 2025, Omoyele Sowore tweeted: “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 post quickly drew attention, sparking backlash from Tinubu supporters—and a strong reaction from Nigeria’s security agency.
DSS Writes X to Take Down Sowore’s Tweet
On September 6, 2025, the DSS sent a letter to X Corp in the United States, demanding that Sowore’s tweet be taken down. The agency claimed the post violated Nigerian laws, including the Criminal Code Act, the Cyber Crimes Act 2025, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
In the letter, the DSS threatened that both Sowore and X could face criminal liability if the tweet was not removed within 24 hours. They also asked for Sowore’s account to be suspended, describing the post as misleading and offensive.
X Notifies Sowore But Takes No Action
Shortly after receiving the letter, X informed Sowore about the request. However, the platform clarified that it had not taken any action on the content at the time of notification.
Sowore, in response, vowed never to delete the tweet and described the DSS’s move as a despicable attempt at censorship.
Sowore’s Legal Team Fights Back
Sowore’s lawyers, led by Tope Temokun, wrote directly to X Corp, urging the company to ignore the DSS directive. The legal team argued that:
- The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of expression (Section 39).
- Only a court order, not a government agency, can restrict speech.
- Past court cases (Arthur Nwankwo v. The State, 1985 and Director, SSS v. Agbakoba, 1999) already established limits on executive interference with free speech.
- Sowore has been a consistent target of state repression, making this move part of a larger pattern.
Amnesty International and SERAP React
Civil society groups were quick to respond:
- Amnesty International condemned the DSS letter as a “blatant violation of freedom of expression” and urged X not to comply.
- SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project) called on President Tinubu to stop the DSS from attempting to silence critics, reminding the government of its international human rights obligations.
Omoyele Sowore’s refusal to delete his tweet—and the DSS’s aggressive push to silence him—shows how digital platforms have become battlegrounds for democracy and authoritarian control. Whether X holds its ground or bows to pressure will set a powerful precedent for free speech in Nigeria and beyond.
