ABUJA — The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning to activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, demanding he retract a social media post described as false, malicious, and disparaging towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, and signed by Uwem Davis on behalf of the Director General of DSS, Sowore was given one week to withdraw the controversial statement and tender a public apology to the President and Nigerians. The agency further directed that the apology be published in at least two national newspapers and broadcast on two television stations with nationwide coverage.
The correspondence, titled “Demand for Retraction of Criminal, False and Malicious Post Publication”, was addressed to Sowore at his Englewood, New Jersey residence and through his verified social media handles.
The DSS said Sowore’s August 26 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which he wrote: “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 President Tinubu, had angered many Nigerians, particularly the President’s supporters, who had reportedly become “restive.”
The agency accused Sowore of using words that could incite public disorder, disunity, and even insurrection, stressing that his remarks lowered the image of the President both locally and internationally.
The DSS, while warning of dire consequences if its demands are ignored, insisted that Sowore must:
- Retract the post on the same platform with equal visibility;
- Publish a public apology in two national dailies and two television stations; and
- Submit a formal representation to DSS headquarters within the stipulated one-week deadline.
The letter further cautioned Sowore to exercise restraint and responsibility, especially as a political figure who once vied to lead the country.
“Persons of your status must be of high integrity and should tailor their comments towards promoting peace, security, and good governance,” the letter read.
The DSS also copied the United States Embassy in Abuja for its information, signaling that the matter may have international implications if left unresolved.
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