DSS Sues Sowore for Defamation Over Tinubu Comment

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count criminal charge against Omoyele Sowore, activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, accusing him of defaming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through social media posts. The charges were filed on 16 September 2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.


According to court documents, Sowore is alleged to have used his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on 25 August 2025 to Tweet:

“THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”


A similar post was allegedly published by him on Facebook the following day, 26 August, according to the DSS.


The charges reference several legal provisions. Sowore is accused of violating Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024; Sections 375 and 59 of the Criminal Code Act for defamation; and related statutes concerning the publication of false information intended to incite public fear and disturb law and order.


Notably, two social media companies, X Inc. (owner of X/Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. (parent company of Facebook), are cited as co-defendants in the suit.


As yet, no date has been fixed for Sowore’s arraignment. In reaction to the charge, Sowore affirmed he would appear in court, rejecting requests by the DSS to remove the posts or issue an apology. He described the charges as inventing “novel” offences.

Share to: