The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the social media company X (formerly Twitter) to delete a post by activist Omoyele Sowore, saying it insults President Bola Tinubu and threatens national security.
In a letter sent to X and signed by DSS Director-General B. Bamigboye, the agency said Sowore’s August 25 post, where he called Tinubu a “criminal” and accused him of lying about corruption, could cause unrest and damage Nigeria’s image.
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The DSS gave X 24 hours to remove the post and any retweets, warning of “sweeping measures” if the order is ignored. The agency also cited laws on cybercrime, hate speech, and even terrorism, suggesting Sowore’s words could be treated as a serious crime.
Sowore, who often uses social media to criticize the government, has faced arrests and threats in the past. Rights groups say this latest move raises more concerns about free speech and democracy in Nigeria.