The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count criminal charge against human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged defamatory and false claims against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Also listed as co-defendants are Meta (owners of Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter), the platforms where the alleged statements were made.
According to court documents, Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, is accused of contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as sections of the Criminal Code Act.
The DSS alleged that on August 25 and 26, 2025, Sowore, through his official X handle (@YeleSowore) and his verified Facebook page, published statements referring to President Tinubu as a “criminal” while reacting to the President’s speech in Brazil. The posts reportedly read:
“THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”
Prosecutors claim that the posts were false, intended to incite public disorder, and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order among Nigerians with divergent political views.
The charge further accuses Sowore of:
Publishing false information with intent to cause public disturbance, contrary to Section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
Defamation against the President, contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
Incitement capable of causing fear and unrest, contrary to Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
The DSS also faulted Meta (Facebook) and X for allegedly allowing the disputed content to remain on their platforms despite being asked to take it down.
Sources within the DSS told The Nation that Sowore’s arraignment is expected to hold “any time soon.”
Sowore, known for his fierce criticism of successive governments, has not yet officially responded to the fresh charges. However, observers say the case is likely to draw national and international attention given his high-profile status, past clashes with the government, and the involvement of global tech giants.
This development underscores the rising tensions between Nigerian authorities and digital platforms over the regulation of online speech, misinformation, and political commentary.
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