Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) for writing to Facebook (Meta) demanding the removal of one of his posts and a possible deactivation of his account.
In a statement posted on Sunday, the former presidential candidate described the DSS as “lawless, too idle and incompetent to secure Nigeria,” noting that over 130 citizens were killed in a single day while the agency was busy targeting online critics.
“The DSS, where over 130 citizens were killed just yesterday, has now written to Facebook, begging them to delete content they find ‘offensive’ to their equally idle, tired, and criminal Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Sowore wrote. “How long do Nigerians want to continue being held hostage by a tiny, wicked, inhumane band of rogues?”
Sowore’s reaction comes after a leaked letter surfaced, in which the DSS formally petitioned Meta, accusing him of spreading “false information,” “hate speech,” and “content capable of inciting violence.” The agency specifically cited a post where Sowore criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s comments in Brazil, calling them “shameless lies.”
In the letter, signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the DSS Director-General, the secret police alleged that Sowore’s post constituted an offence under Nigeria’s Criminal Code, Cybercrimes Act, and Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and gave Meta 24 hours to take down the post or risk “sweeping and across-the-board measures.”
Sowore, however, argued that the move was part of a broader campaign to silence dissenting voices. He maintained that freedom of expression is protected under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights laws, and warned Meta against becoming complicit in what he described as “state-sponsored censorship.”
“This regime fears criticism more than the terrorists killing citizens daily. Instead of securing lives, they are busy policing Facebook posts,” Sowore said.
The DSS and the Presidency have yet to publicly respond to Sowore’s comments as of the time of filing this report.
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