DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti‑Tinubu Posts!

DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti‑Tinubu Posts!

Reported by Marian opeyemi Fasesan |Sele Media Africa

The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned public intellectual Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a five‑count charge that accuses him of publishing false statements about President Bola Tinubu with the intention of causing public disorder. The suit also names X Corp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) as co‑defendants. [1]

The Charges & Allegations

• The charges stem from posts Sowore made on August 25 and 26, 2025, where he allegedly described President Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused him of lying in Brazil about corruption being eradicated under his administration. [1]
• In count one and two, the DSS contends that those statements are false and inciting, in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. [2]
• Additional counts accuse him of defamation (Criminal Code, Section 375) and publishing false information with intent to cause fear or disturbance under Criminal Code Section 59. [3]
• The suit’s docket is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025. [4] Court Appearance & Reactions
• Sowore was present in court ahead of the arraignment, signaling his readiness to defend the charges. [1]
• He has responded publicly, stating that calling Tinubu a “criminal” should not be criminalized, especially in a democratic society that protects free expression. [1]
• Sowore’s legal team has also filed a counter‑suit seeking to restrain the DSS from directing social media platforms to delete his posts, invoking Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which safeguards freedom of expression. Why It Matters
• This case will test the limits of speech and social media regulation under Nigeria’s newly amended cybersecurity law.
• The inclusion of tech platforms X and Meta raises questions about how much liability social media companies bear for content posted by their users.
• Observers will watch how the court balances state interest in security and public order against fundamental freedoms of speech, press, and communication.

Citations:

1. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/dss-arraigns-sowore-x-facebook-over-alleged-defamation-of-tinubu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Telegraph Nigeria: telegraph.ng/news/2025/09/16/dss-files-cybercrime-charges-against-sowore-over-posts-on-tinubu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Pulse Nigeria: www.pulse.ng/articles/news/dss-sues-sowore-x-and-meta-over-post-labeling-tinubu-a-criminal-2025091710160717375?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Tribune Online: tribuneonlineng.com/just-in-dss-sues-sowore-?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/sowore-counter-sues-dss-over-anti-tinubu-post/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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