Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has petitioned X Corp., the operator of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), to remove a post by activist Omoyele Sowore and deactivate his verified account, accusing him of disparaging President Bola Tinubu and threatening national security.
The agency’s letter, dated September 6 and signed by B. Bamigboye on behalf of the Director-General, described Sowore’s August 25 post as “inflammatory, misleading, capable of inciting violence.” It directed X to act within 24 hours or risk “far-reaching, sweeping and across-the-board measures” by the government.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, had shared a video of Tinubu during a state visit to Brazil, captioning it with sharp criticism. He accused the president of lying about corruption and called him a “criminal.” The DSS argued the comment breached the Criminal Code Act, the Cyber Crimes Act 2025, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, claiming it amounted to fake news, hate speech, and online harassment.
According to the letter, The DSS said: “The said tweet is still in circulation and has attracted widespread condemnation by majority of Nigerians, some of whom may resort to unwholesome activities to vent their grievance over it, 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.”
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Twitter.com Transitions to X.com
But Sowore has rejected the demand. In comments reported by the People’s Gazette, he described the move as a “national disgrace” and vowed to continue his activism “with or without a Twitter account.” His legal team, led by rights lawyer Tope Temokun, also wrote to X, insisting the DSS has no constitutional authority to censor content. They argued that only a court of competent jurisdiction can order content removal, citing Section 39(1) of Nigeria’s Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Rights groups warn that the development could set a troubling precedent for freedom of expression in Nigeria. “The government must not misuse national security agencies to stifle dissent,” one Lagos-based lawyer told reporters. Analysts say the case is a test of how Nigeria balances security concerns with constitutional rights in the digital age.
The standoff also reopens debate about Nigeria’s uneasy relationship with social media platforms. In 2021, the Buhari administration suspended Twitter for seven months after it deleted one of the president’s tweets, a move widely condemned as authoritarian. The DSS’s latest petition now raises fears of renewed tensions between Abuja and Silicon Valley.
The outcome of this case could shape the boundaries of online speech in Nigeria. If X complies, critics fear it will embolden the government to tighten control over digital platforms. If it resists, Ab may again target the platform’s operations. Either way, the dispute underscores the fragile state of free speech in Nigeria and the growing clash between state power and digital rights.
As of Sunday evening, Sowore’s account remains active, and the controversial post is still visible. X Corp. Has yet to issue a public response.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
