DSS Demands Facebook Remove Sowore’s Posts Criticizing Tinubu

The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has formally requested that Facebook remove posts made by activist Omoyele Sowore that disparage President Bola Tinubu. The DSS issued a written demand on August 26, 2025, giving the platform a strict deadline of 24 hours to take down the content deemed offensive.

In a letter signed by Uwem Davies, on behalf of Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director General of the DSS, the agency expressed its alarm over Sowore’s widely circulated post. This post allegedly ridiculed the President and was described as “misleading information” that could incite violence and undermine national security.

The DSS’s communication highlighted that Sowore’s remarks included accusations against President Tinubu, claiming he had lied about the state of corruption in Nigeria. The letter stated, “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” This assertion has reportedly drawn significant backlash from various sectors of the Nigerian public.

According to the DSS, the continued circulation of such posts has exacerbated tensions within the country. The agency argues that the content not only damages the President’s reputation but also tarnishes Nigeria’s image on the international stage. The letter emphasized the potential risks posed by Sowore’s statements, indicating that they could lead to political unrest.

Legal implications were also discussed, with the DSS referencing several Nigerian laws that could be applicable in this case. These include Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, which prohibits the publication of false information, and various sections of the Cybercrimes Act 2025 that criminalize the dissemination of misleading content. The agency stressed that both the individual responsible for the post and the platform facilitating its spread could be held accountable under Nigerian law.

Furthermore, the DSS articulated that Sowore’s actions constitute online harassment and a deliberate attempt to incite division and hatred. The agency warned that such conduct poses a serious threat to national security and the country’s international relations, stating, “This conduct aims to damage the international image of Nigeria.”

The DSS’s letter concluded with a firm demand for Facebook to act promptly, warning of severe consequences should the platform fail to comply. The agency stated that it would be compelled to take “far-reaching, sweeping, and comprehensive measures” if the posts were not removed within the stipulated time frame.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Facebook will respond to this request from Nigerian authorities and what implications this may have for freedom of expression in the country. The DSS’s actions reflect ongoing tensions surrounding political discourse in Nigeria, particularly in the context of social media’s role in shaping public opinion and political engagement.