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Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning to human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, giving him one week to retract his recent social media posts that openly criticized President Bola Tinubu.
According to reports, Sowore accused President Tinubu of lying to Nigerians regarding key national issues, comments which the DSS claims pose a threat to national security and public order. The agency stated that failure to comply with its ultimatum could lead to further actions against the activist.
Sowore, who has long been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian governments, is known for his uncompromising stance on transparency, accountability, and human rights. His recent comments questioning President Tinubu’s credibility have sparked heated debate across political and civil society circles.
In its statement, the DSS said:
“Deliberately spreading falsehoods against the presidency has grave implications for public trust and stability. We urge Mr. Sowore to withdraw his posts within seven days or face the consequences.”
However, rights groups and democracy advocates have condemned the ultimatum, describing it as an attempt to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression. They argue that criticism of public officials, including the president, is a fundamental right in a democratic society.
Sowore, who previously contested for Nigeria’s presidency and has faced multiple arrests and charges for his activism, has not indicated whether he intends to comply with the DSS directive. In a brief response online, he maintained that Nigerians “deserve the truth” and that he will not be intimidated into silence.
The ultimatum has further fueled public debate on the state of free speech in Nigeria, with many warning that the government’s actions could deepen mistrust and tension between citizens and state institutions.
As the one-week deadline approaches, all eyes are on Sowore’s response and the DSS’s next move—developments that could set a defining tone for Nigeria’s democracy and civic space under the current administration.