Amanze Chinonye
The confrontation between Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore and the Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified after the security agency petitioned Meta Platforms Inc. To deactivate his Facebook account, accusing him of spreading false information and inciting unrest.
In a September 6, 2025 letter addressed to Meta’s Chairman and CEO, the DSS claimed Sowore’s August 26 post describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” amounted to “misleading information, hate speech, and cybercrime.” It argued that the post violated Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2025, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and warned that both Sowore and Meta could be held liable if the content remained online. The agency gave Meta 24 hours to act.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSowore Pushes Back
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, responded on Monday with a blistering statement on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the DSS of shielding the President while failing to protect Nigerians from worsening insecurity.
“Lawless @OfficialDSSNG, too idle and incompetent to secure Nigeria, where over 130 citizens were killed just yesterday, has now written to @facebook, begging them to delete content they find ‘offensive’ to their equally idle, tired, and criminal Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT. Again, I ask this of Nigerians, how long do you want to continue being held hostage by a tiny, wicked, inhumane band of rogues? #RevolutionNow,” he posted.
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Lawyers Write to Meta
Sowore’s legal team has also written to Meta, urging the company to reject the DSS’s request, which they described as “autocratic, legally baseless, and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.”
“The laws cited by the SSS are inapplicable and irrelevant. The post referenced does not violate Meta’s Community Standards,” the lawyers stated.
They further argued that President Tinubu had not personally filed any defamation suit against Sowore, making it improper for the DSS to act as his proxy.
“If he feels that he has a reputation capable of being defamed, Mr. Tinubu ought to seek legal redress in court and put his character to the test. It is the height of impunity for an agency established by law to ensure the internal security of Nigeria to sycophantically deploy its instrumentality for the personal aggrandizement of a politician and a public office holder who is paid with public funds,” the legal team said.
They warned Meta that complying with the DSS’s demand would embolden the government to silence dissent and set a dangerous precedent for online free expression in Nigeria.
The standoff underscores the growing tension between Nigeria’s security institutions and critics of the government, raising wider questions about freedom of expression, digital rights, and state power in Africa’s largest democracy. It also puts Meta in the middle of a politically charged dispute, testing its commitment to upholding free speech while navigating pressure from governments.
As of press time, Meta had not publicly responded to either the DSS’s petition or Sowore’s counter-letter.
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.
