From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Department of State Services has filed a five-count criminal charge against activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged defamation of President Bola Tinubu.
The DSS accused Sowore of describing the President as a “criminal” in posts on X and Facebook. The charges, filed on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, also list X Corp. and Meta as co-defendants.
Earlier, the DSS had invited Sowore over what it described as a “false and malicious” social media post against the President.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, and signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General of the DSS, Sowore was directed to retract the statement and issue a public apology within seven days.
The agency cited a post from August 26, 2025, in which Sowore allegedly mocked Tinubu’s remarks on corruption during a trip to Brazil, referring to him as a “criminal.”
According to the DSS, the remark was “repugnant, derogatory, and capable of inciting public disturbance,” with the potential to undermine the President’s reputation both at home and abroad, thereby threatening national unity and peace.
The letter also demanded that Sowore retract the post on X, publish apologies in two national newspapers and two television stations, and send a formal representation to DSS headquarters in Abuja or via email.
However, Sowore has refused to comply, insisting he would not delete the posts.
According to him, defamation was a personal matter, which the President, feeling aggrieved can seek redress in the court of law through his Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
” It is hard to believe there’s anyone sensible left in these offices that should be making Nigeria work. Regardless, I will be present whenever the case is assigned for trial,” Sowore said in response on Tuesday.
The DSS has now proceeded with legal action, filing criminal charges against him at the Federal High Court
