The Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as a “false and malicious” social media post targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, and signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General, the Service directed Sowore to retract his comment on X (formerly Twitter) and issue a public apology within one week.
The DSS accused Sowore of referring to the President as a “criminal” in an August 26 post in which he allegedly mocked Tinubu’s remarks on corruption during a visit to Brazil. The Service described the statement as “repugnant, derogatory, and capable of inciting public disturbance.”
According to the letter, Sowore must publish an unequivocal retraction on X, tender apologies in at least two national newspapers and two television stations, and submit a representation to the DSS headquarters in Abuja, either in person or via email.
The agency also copied the United States Embassy in Abuja, notifying it of the matter.
The DSS warned that Sowore’s remarks could diminish the President’s reputation at home and abroad, and risk triggering disunity, insurrection, or a breakdown of law and order. It added that safeguarding Nigerians from “false propaganda” falls within its mandate and pledged to “explore all lawful means” to counter misinformation capable of undermining national cohesion.
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