The Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over a social media post it described as “false and malicious” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General, the Service directed Sowore to retract the post on X (formerly Twitter) and tender a public apology within seven days.
The DSS said Sowore, in an August 26 post, referred to Tinubu as a “criminal” while ridiculing the President’s comments on corruption in Brazil. The agency described the post as “repugnant, derogatory, and capable of inciting public disturbance.”
According to the letter, Sowore must issue an unreserved retraction on X, publish apologies in two national newspapers and two television stations, and send a representation to the DSS headquarters in Abuja or via email. The United States Embassy in Abuja was also copied in the correspondence.
The Service warned that Sowore’s remarks could erode the President’s image at home and abroad and risk provoking division or unrest.
“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country must exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech,” the DSS cautioned, adding that it would not hesitate to take lawful measures if he failed to comply.
The agency reiterated that part of its mandate is to protect the public from “false propaganda,” vowing to deploy “all lawful means” to curb misinformation that could threaten national unity.
