September 08, (THEWILL) — The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as a “false and malicious” social media post against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the DSS Director-General, Sowore was directed to retract the statement and issue a public apology within seven days.
The DSS cited a post from August 26, 2025, where Sowore allegedly called Tinubu a “criminal” while mocking the President’s remarks on corruption during a trip to Brazil.
The agency described the comment as “repugnant, derogatory, and capable of inciting public disturbance”, arguing it could undermine the President’s reputation domestically and internationally, potentially leading to disunity or a breakdown of law and order.
According to the letter, Sowore must issue an unequivocal retraction on the same platform, publish apologies in at least two national dailies and two television stations, and send a representation to the DSS headquarters in Abuja or via email.
The agency also copied the United States Embassy in Abuja, notifying it of the development.
The letter instructed Sowore to retract the post on X, publish apologies in two national newspapers and two television stations, and send a formal representation to DSS headquarters in Abuja or via email.
“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country must exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech”, the DSS warned, emphasising its mandate to counter misinformation that threatens national unity.
The agency stated it would pursue “all lawful measures” if Sowore fails to comply, signaling potential legal action to address what it views as dangerous propaganda.
Meanwhile, Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the invitation.
Adeyanju, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, described the move as “unacceptable” and a direct assault on democratic freedoms.
“The targeting of Omoyele Sowore’s account by the DSS is unacceptable and should be condemned. Every citizen has the right to freely share their opinions, even when those opinions do not align with those in authority”, Adeyanju said.
He warned that silencing dissenting voices through intimidation undermines the very foundation of democracy.
“The use of state power to silence and intimidate individuals because of their views is an attack on the very freedoms that sustain a healthy democracy”, he stated.
According to him, Sowore has consistently suffered persecution at the hands of intolerant governments but continues to speak out courageously despite the risks.
“Sowore has remained a victim of intolerant governments, yet he continues to speak his mind courageously”, Adeyanju noted.
He further stressed that Sowore’s political background and influence as a former presidential candidate make his views critical to Nigeria’s governance discourse.
“He is not just an activist but he is also a former presidential candidate whose commentary on governance carry weight”, he added.
Adeyanju, therefore, urged the government and its security agencies to treat criticisms with respect rather than clamp down on those who voice dissent.
“His criticisms of the president or government policies must be treated with respect, no matter how uncomfortable they may be for those in power”, the activist added.
Adeyanju reaffirmed his commitment to speaking against injustice and defending the rights of Nigerians to free expression, warning that any attempt to suppress Sowore or others would be resisted by pro-democracy voices.
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