The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, to retract his “false and malicious” social media post against President Bola Tinubu.
The DSS gave the directive in a letter dated September 7 and signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi.
The secret police had earlier written to X, demanding the urgent deactivation of Sowore’s verified account.
In the letter, the agency accused Sowore of referring to Tinubu as a “criminal” in a post he made on August 26, 2025, while mocking the president’s comments in Brazil on corruption.
The DSS, therefore, asked Sowore to retract his post on X and tender a public apology within one week via at least two national newspapers and two television stations, and submit a formal representation to its headquarters in Abuja or via email.
The DSS stated that the post was “repugnant, derogatory and capable of inciting public disturbance”.
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These statements are, to say the least, capable of causing insurrection, as they are odious, repugnant, derogatory and uncomplimentary towards a person occupying the highest office of this country,” it noted.
It added that persons seeking to play critical roles in Nigeria’s democracy must exercise restraint and responsibility in both speech and action.
“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country must exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech,” the agency said.
The DSS further noted that it has a constitutional mandate to ensure Nigerians are not misled by “false propaganda”, adding that it would “explore all lawful means” to counter misinformation capable of undermining national unity.
Responding to the DSS directive on X, Sowore vowed not to withdraw his statement.
“Even if you (DSS) give me till the end of Tinubu’s tenure in 2027, I will NOT withdraw my statement (for I believe his tenure shall not go beyond on or before 2027),” he wrote.
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