DSS Gives Sowore One Week To Retract Post Labeling President Tinubu A Criminal

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a formal letter to activist Omoyele Sowore, asking him to retract a post he made on social media describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”

Omoyele Sowore, a pro-democracy campaigner and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), had in his post referred to Tinubu as a “criminal.”

He accused the President of deceiving Nigerians after Tinubu allegedly declared during a visit to Brazil that corruption had been eradicated under his government.

The security agency gave Sowore a one-week deadline to withdraw the statement and publicly apologise to President Tinubu and Nigerians.

According to the DSS, the apology must be published on major television stations and in at least two national newspapers, with the same level of visibility as the original post.

The letter, dated September 7, 2025, and signed by Uwem Davis on behalf of the DSS Director-General, accused Sowore of making comments that were false, malicious, and capable of causing unrest.

DSS noted that many Nigerians, particularly Tinubu’s supporters, had reacted angrily to the remarks, raising fears of public disorder.

The letter, entitled “Demand for Retraction of Criminal, False and Malicious Post Publication,” was addressed to Omoyele Sowore, using his American address at Englewood, New Jersey, and his social media addresses.

The letter read in part: “You will recall that on 26th August, 2025, at 1138 pm (2338 hours) a comment you made on X (formerly Twitter) platform to wit: “This criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!” in reference to Ahmed Bola TINUBU (GCFR), the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has infuriated a good number of Nigerian citizens, particularly the President’s supporters who are already becoming restive.

The DSS argued that such language was derogatory and damaging to the reputation of the President, both at home and abroad.

The Service warned that failing to meet its conditions could lead to further action, stressing that public figures are expected to exercise responsibility and avoid statements that could threaten peace, security, or national unity.

“You may wish to note that your choice of words in the description of the President are false, malicious, and capable of inciting public disturbance, disunity and breakdown of law and order.

“To put this in proper perspective, these statements are to say the least capable of causing insurrection, as they are very odious, repugnant, derogatory and uncomplimentary towards a person occupying the highest office of this country.

“Those insidious statements have the effect of lowering the standing, estimation, and respect of Mr. President, before the citizens of Nigeria and the comity of Nations.

“Against this backdrop, and in the interest of public order, security and to protect national integrity/unity, you are hereby invited to:

“Make an immediate and unequivocal retraction of the false and repugnant post through the same platform and with the same prominence as the initial post.

“Publish a public apology in at least two national dailies and two television stations with national spread; and

“Send your representation within one week of receipt of this letter to the State Security Service Headquarters at No 1, Maitama Avenue, Three Arms Zone, Abuja or to [email protected] cc [email protected].

“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country as critical stakeholders of democracy must be of high integrity and therefore should exercise restraint, and responsibility in their speech as well as action.

“Such individuals and organisations must in addition, tailor their comments towards promoting peace, security and good governance in the Country.

“TAKE NOTICE that the DSS is a Security Intelligence Organisation that has its mandate, inter alia, to ensure that Nigerians are not deceived with false propaganda, as such, the Service shall explore all lawful means to achieve this.

“Consequently, if you fail to correct this false narrative, the Service shall, without further recourse to you, initiate measures it deems most appropriate within the ambit of the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The letter was also copied to the United States Embassy in Abuja for record purposes, since Sowore’s American address was used in the correspondence.

KanyiDaily recalls that Omoyele Sowore’s previous arrest drew widespread criticism after police allegedly broke his hand while trying to forcibly move him from detention to court.