DSS Charges Sowore, X & Meta Over Anti-Tinubu Post…

…Sowore Seeks Legal Protection Against Deletion

The Department of State Services (DSS) has instituted a five-count criminal charge in the Federal High Court, Abuja, against Omoyele Sowore, condemning a social media post he made about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Agency is also suing Meta Platforms Inc. and X Corp (owner of “X”, formerly Twitter) for failing to remove the content and for not complying with its directives. Meanwhile, Sowore has launched fundamental rights actions against the DSS, Meta, and X, asking the court to bar them from deleting what his legal team describes as political criticism.

The Charges
Filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice, Muhammed Abubakar, on behalf of the DSS and the federal government, the charges assert that on 25th and 26th August 2025, Sowore published the message:

“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!”

The DSS claims that Sowore knew the statement was false, and that its publication was designed to provoke public unrest and promote hatred. The specific counts include:

Two counts under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, alleging Sowore used his X and Facebook accounts to post false and inciting messages.

Two counts under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act for defamation of the President.

One count under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, accusing him of publishing false information with the intention of sowing public fear and disturbance.

The DSS had earlier issued a one-week ultimatum, starting September 8, ordering Sowore to delete the posts. The ultimatum expired without any deletion, and Meta and X allegedly ignored the agency’s demand.

Sowore’s Response: Fundamental Rights Actions & Free Speech Argument

In response, Sowore has filed two suits invoking his constitutional rights, arguing that the DSS’ demands—and any forced deletion by Meta or X—amount to “unconstitutional censorship”.

His legal team, led by counsel Tope Temokun, says the case is ultimately about preserving freedom of expression in Nigeria.

They contend that if State Agents can dictate to global platforms what citizens may say, the foundations of democracy are endangered.

Sowore’s lawyers are asking the court to declare that:

The DSS has no legal power to censor or force deletion of digital content;

Meta and X cannot act as tools of repression;

His rights under Section 39 of the Constitution (freedom of expression) be protected.

The case raises pressing questions about the interplay of national laws, social media platforms, and free speech.

Advocates warn that acquiescence by platforms to governmental censorship demands might erode democratic norms.

Sowore’s team argues that neutrality by platforms in the face of such demands is untenable.

Sowore has affirmed he will be present when the matter is scheduled for trial.

Meanwhile, the courts will have to consider not just if the posts were defamatory or inciting under Nigerian law, but also whether forcing their deletion or removing user accounts infringes the constitutional guarantee of free expression.