The Department of State Services (DSS) has escalated its scrutiny of political commentary on social media by writing to X Corp., the parent company of X (formerly Twitter), demanding the immediate suspension of the verified account of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, @YeleSowore. The communication, dated 6th September 2025, claims that Sowore’s tweet, which criticized President Bola Tinubu for stating in Brazil that corruption had been eradicated in Nigeria, constitutes misleading information, online harassment, and a deliberate effort to propagate an ideology capable of causing serious harm. According to the DSS, the tweet’s content is offensive, threatens national security, and could incite public unrest, thereby endangering the dignity of the Presidency and the country’s international reputation. The agency cited the Criminal Code Act, the Cyber Crimes Act 2025, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, warning that Sowore’s actions fall within offenses punishable by Nigerian law, including spreading false information, provoking public disorder, and publishing content intended to humiliate or embarrass public officials.
The demand has ignited a fierce debate on freedom of expression in Nigeria, with civil society organizations, legal experts, journalists, and media commentators expressing concern over what many see as an overreach of state power. Critics argue that while Sowore’s tweet was clearly critical of the President, equating dissenting opinion with domestic terrorism is excessive and risks creating a chilling effect on public discourse. They warn that actions like these may discourage citizens from engaging in political debate online, undermining democratic principles and potentially eroding public confidence in the government’s commitment to free expression. Human rights groups have pointed out that social media platforms have become essential forums for citizens to hold leaders accountable, and restricting these avenues under broad security claims sets a dangerous precedent.
Observers also note that this is not the first time Sowore has faced government scrutiny. A known activist and founder of the online platform Sahara Reporters, Sowore has consistently been vocal about governance, corruption, and human rights issues in Nigeria. While his methods have at times been confrontational, supporters maintain that his criticisms fall within the bounds of political activism and press freedom. The current DSS intervention is seen by many as part of a growing pattern where the state targets dissenting voices under the guise of national security, raising questions about the balance between government authority and civil liberties in Nigeria.
The reaction from the public on social media has been mixed. Some citizens, particularly supporters of the Presidency, have expressed outrage at Sowore’s tweet, echoing the DSS’s position that such statements could provoke unrest. Others have criticized the agency’s approach, framing it as an attempt to police thought and speech rather than engage with criticism constructively. The situation also places X Corp. in a delicate position, as the platform may face pressure to comply with the Nigerian government’s demand, raising global concerns about digital rights, corporate responsibility, and the limits of moderation in politically sensitive contexts.
As the story develops, legal analysts are closely monitoring potential outcomes, including the possibility of judicial intervention if Sowore challenges the order. The case underscores the tension between freedom of expression and national security in Nigeria and highlights the broader struggle over who gets to define the boundaries of acceptable speech in an era where social media dominates public discourse. Ultimately, the DSS action has sparked nationwide debate on the state of democracy, the role of security agencies, and the protections afforded to citizens engaging in political expression.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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