DSS Orders X to Deactivation of Sowore’s Account Over Tinubu Remark

By Babatunji Wusu

• DSS demands removal of Sowore’s account within 24 hours over tweet on President Tinubu

• Security agency cites hate speech, cybercrime, and terrorism laws

• Warns X Corp of “far-reaching measures” if directive is ignored

• Sowore’s post already sparking street protests among Tinubu supporters

The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed X (formerly Twitter) to urgently deactivate the verified account of activist Omoyele Sowore after he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in an August 25 post.

In a September 6 letter signed by B. Bamigboye for the Director-General, the DSS said the statement ridiculed the president before the international community and could incite violence.

“The said tweet is still in circulation and has attracted widespread condemnation by majority of Nigerians, some of whom may resort to unwholesome activities… especially supporters of the President who have started taking to the streets in protest, thereby creating political tension and threatening the country’s national security,” the letter read.

The DSS described Sowore’s post as “misleading information, online harassment, hate speech, and a willful attempt to cause disunity and damage Nigeria’s image.” It argued that the remarks fall under provisions of the Criminal Code, Cybercrime Act, and Terrorism Prevention Act — warning they could amount to “domestic terrorism.”

The security agency gave X Corp 24 hours to remove the tweet and deactivate Sowore’s account or face “far-reaching measures.” It further warned that both Sowore and the platform could be held criminally liable if the directive is ignored.