Nigerian Government Files Five-Count Charge Against Sowore, X, and Facebook Over Anti-Tinubu Post
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The State Security Service (SSS), popularly known as DSS, has filed a five-count criminal charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Nigerian activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, over posts alleging criminality against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akahi News learnt that the charges stem from a post Sowore made on his official Facebook page, where he described President Tinubu as a “criminal,” prompting the security agency to accuse him and the platforms of publishing false information, incitement, and defamation under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Sowore’s Reaction to the Charges
Reacting via his verified page, Sowore expressed disbelief at the development, describing the allegations as “novel offences” invented to suppress free speech in Nigeria.
“The State Security Service, alias @OfficialDSSNG today filed a 5-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and myself. They claimed that because I called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu a criminal, I have somehow committed a set of ‘novel’ offences they invented and spread across five counts,” Sowore wrote.
He further stressed his readiness to appear in court whenever the case is assigned for trial, insisting that freedom of speech should not be trampled upon under any guise.
Details of the Five-Count Charge
Akahi News gathered that the prosecution alleges the following:
- Publishing information deemed false with the intent to cause public disturbance.
- Cyberstalking the person of the President.
- Incitement likely to provoke public disorder.
- Using digital platforms to spread defamatory content.
- Aiding the dissemination of information described as prejudicial to public peace.
Legal observers believe this case could set a significant precedent for how Nigeria balances freedom of expression with cybercrime legislation in the digital era.
Wider Reactions and Implications
Human rights advocates and civil society groups are already expressing concerns that the charges might be politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissenting voices in Nigeria. Some argue that the involvement of global platforms such as X and Facebook signals a growing willingness by authorities to pressure social media companies over content critical of government officials.
With Sowore vowing to defend himself vigorously, the legal battle promises to attract national and international attention, particularly given his history of clashes with security agencies over activism and the #RevolutionNow movement.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As of press time, the Federal High Court has yet to fix a date for the hearing. The defendants, including representatives from X and Meta (Facebook’s parent company), are expected to be served with court processes ahead of trial commencement.
Observers note that the outcome could influence digital rights, media freedom, and online speech regulations in Nigeria for years to come.
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