DSS files 5-count charge against Sowore, Meta, X over defamatory posts about Tinubu
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge against Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, along with social media platforms X Corp and Meta Incorporation.
This legal action was initiated in a Federal High Court in Abuja after Sowore declined to remove posts he made regarding President Bola Tinubu.
Representing the DSS and the Federal Government, M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, along with four other legal counsel, submitted the charges.
Count one of the charges states that on August 25, 2025, Sowore allegedly used his official X handle (@Yele Sowore) to tweet a message that described President Tinubu as a “criminal,” citing falsehoods about the end of corruption in Nigeria. The prosecution claims this message was intended to incite public disorder.
Similarly, count two addresses a Facebook post made by Sowore on August 26, 2025, which reiterated the same accusations against the President. Both counts assert that Sowore knowingly spread false information meant to disrupt public peace.
The subsequent counts pertain to defamation and the intentional dissemination of false information, arguing that Sowore’s actions were designed to create fear and uncertainty among the public regarding President Tinubu’s reputation.
In previous reports, it was indicated that the DSS had reached out to X, demanding the deactivation of Sowore’s account due to the posts. They also issued an ultimatum for the removal of the statements labeled as defamatory.
In reaction to the charges, Sowore stated, “The State Security Service today filed a 5-count charge against ‘@X’ (formerly @Twitter), @facebook, and myself. They claimed that because I called @officialABAT a criminal, I have somehow committed a set of ‘novel’ offences they invented.”
Sowore affirmed his commitment to facing the charges in court, declaring, “Regardless, I will be present whenever this case is assigned for trial. #RevolutionNow.”
Source: Daily Trust
