DSS summons Sowore, demands retraction over post against Pres. Tinubu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, over a social media post the agency described as “false and malicious” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a letter dated 7 September 2025, signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the DSS Director-General, Sowore was directed to retract his comments on X (formerly Twitter) and tender a public apology within one week.

According to the letter, Sowore referred to the President as a “criminal” in a post made on 26 August 2025, where he allegedly ridiculed Tinubu’s statement on corruption during his visit to Brazil. The Service described the remarks as “repugnant, derogatory and capable of inciting public disturbance,” warning that such statements could damage the President’s reputation at home and abroad while fuelling disunity.

The DSS insisted that Sowore must issue an “unequivocal retraction” on the same platform where the original post appeared, as well as publish apologies in at least two national newspapers and two television stations. The agency further directed that a representation be submitted to its headquarters in Abuja.

The letter also revealed that the United States Embassy in Abuja had been copied, notifying them of the matter. The Service cautioned that political figures and activists must “exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech,” adding that it would employ “lawful measures” should Sowore fail to comply.

The agency emphasised that part of its mandate is to shield citizens from misinformation capable of undermining national unity, noting it would “explore all lawful means” to counter false narratives.

Reacting in a Facebook post, Sowore rejected the directive, stating: “Even if you @OfficialDSSNG give me till the end of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure in 2027, I will NOT withdraw my statement because I know he is a criminal (for I believe his tenure shall not go beyond on or before 2027).”