In a move that has ignited fierce debates on free speech and government overreach, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned prominent activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore over a controversial social media post labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.” The summons, issued on September 8, 2025, comes amid escalating tensions between the government and critics of the administration, highlighting ongoing concerns about censorship and political dissent in Africa’s most populous nation. As Sowore defies the order and platforms like X and Meta face pressure to act, this incident underscores the fragile balance between national security and civil liberties in Nigeria.
Trending: Free Speech vs. National Security – Sowore’s Defiance Sparks Outrage Online
The DSS’s actions have exploded across social media, with hashtags like #SoworeDSS and #TinubuCriminal trending on X, amassing thousands of posts in hours. Users are rallying behind Sowore, accusing the DSS of stifling opposition, while supporters of the government defend the summons as necessary to curb “hate speech.” Viral videos and reposts of Sowore’s original tweet have amplified the story, drawing international attention to Nigeria’s digital crackdown on dissent.
Key Details of the Summons and Post
On September 8, 2025, the DSS summoned Omoyele Sowore, founder of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate, to its Abuja headquarters over a post on X (formerly Twitter) where he called President Tinubu a “criminal” in reference to ongoing corruption allegations and economic policies. The post, made earlier in the week, criticized Tinubu’s administration for alleged graft and mismanagement, gaining widespread traction among opposition voices.
The DSS issued a one-week ultimatum for Sowore to delete the post, warning that non-compliance would prompt “all lawful means” to protect national security and public order. In a bold escalation, the agency reportedly contacted X to deactivate Sowore’s account and wrote to Meta (parent of Facebook and Instagram) to remove the content from those platforms as well. Sowore, undeterred, reposted the content in defiance, labeling the DSS’s actions a “national disgrace” and vowing not to comply. As of the latest updates, neither X nor Meta has confirmed compliance, though the pressure has raised alarms about platform accountability in authoritarian contexts.
Sowore is scheduled to appear before the DSS on September 15, 2025, but sources close to him indicate he may seek legal counsel or public support before responding.
Voices from Officials, Experts, and the Public
Sowore himself took to X to denounce the summons, stating in a repost: “This is a national disgrace. They want to silence free speech instead of tackling insecurity and corruption.” He further mocked the DSS’s 24-hour ultimatum to X, which has elapsed without action, questioning their authority over private platforms.
The DSS has not issued an official statement beyond the summons letter, but insiders described the post as “inciting and defamatory,” potentially violating Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act of 2015, which criminalizes online content deemed harmful to public order. Legal expert and human rights advocate Femi Falana, commenting on the matter, warned: “This is a clear attempt to muzzle dissent. The DSS must respect constitutional rights to free expression under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.”
Public reactions on X have been polarized. Supporters like @chi_chi_maria defended Sowore: “How can you say Sowore works for Tinubu when DSS is forcing him to delete a tweet against him? Some people are blind.” Critics, however, accused him of extremism, with one user noting: “Sowore’s supporters aren’t serious; this is just political theater.” Nigerian online communities have accused the DSS of prioritizing social media policing over pressing issues like banditry and economic hardship.
Background: Sowore’s History of Clashes with Authorities
Omoyele Sowore, a journalist and activist, has long been a thorn in the side of Nigerian governments. In 2019, he was arrested for leading the #RevolutionNow protests against then-President Muhammadu Buhari, spending over four months in DSS custody on treason charges before his release in 2021. As the founder of Sahara Reporters, an investigative news outlet, Sowore has exposed high-level corruption, earning him both accolades and enemies.
Under President Tinubu’s administration, which took office in May 2023, there has been a noted uptick in crackdowns on online dissent. The Cybercrimes Act has been weaponized against critics, with similar summonses issued to influencers and journalists over posts on economic policies and security failures. This incident follows a pattern, including the 2024 arrest of activist Deji Adeyanju for similar social media comments. Sowore’s post ties into broader allegations against Tinubu, including unproven claims of criminal involvement from his time as Lagos governor, amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic woes like inflation and fuel subsidy removal.
The DSS, Nigeria’s primary intelligence agency, has faced criticism for overstepping into civilian matters, with Amnesty International labeling such actions as “repressive tactics to silence opposition.”
Possible Impact and Next Steps
If Sowore complies, it could set a precedent for self-censorship among activists, chilling online discourse in Nigeria. Non-compliance might lead to his arrest, reigniting protests and drawing international condemnation from groups like Human Rights Watch. The involvement of global tech giants like X and Meta could pressure them to resist, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions or platform policy changes in Africa.
Next steps include Sowore’s potential court challenge to the summons, possibly through the Nigerian Bar Association or international bodies. The DSS may escalate by filing formal charges under the Cybercrimes Act, which carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Public rallies in support of Sowore are already being organized in Lagos and Abuja, while the government might counter with statements emphasizing national security. Monitoring bodies like the Nigerian Communications Commission could get involved if platforms refuse to act.
For everyday Nigerians, this saga highlights the risks of social media activism, prompting calls for legal reforms to protect free speech.
Conclusion: A Test for Nigeria’s Democracy
The DSS’s summons of Omoyele Sowore over his anti-Tinubu post represents yet another flashpoint in Nigeria’s battle over free expression, with Sowore’s defiance amplifying calls for accountability. As the one-week ultimatum looms, this case could either embolden critics or further entrench government control over digital spaces. For citizens and observers, the takeaway is the vital role of vigilance in safeguarding democratic rights—ensuring that voices like Sowore’s continue to hold power to account without fear of reprisal.