DSS Files Charge Against Sowore, Facebook, X Over False Claim against Tinubu
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count criminal charge against politician and online publisher Omoyele Sowore, over alleged false and defamatory statements made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, are connected to posts made by Sowore on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where he allegedly referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal.”
According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, Sowore, along with Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook) and X Corp., are named as defendants. The DSS had earlier requested that the alleged false messages be taken down from both platforms before filing the charges.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 and 2023 general elections and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is accused of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, and sections of the Criminal Code Act.
His arraignment is expected to take place in the coming days.
Summary of the Charges
The charges stem from a series of posts made by Sowore on August 25 and 26, 2025, where he allegedly stated:
“THIS CRIMINAL @OFFICIALPBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”
According to the DSS, Sowore knowingly published these statements despite being aware that they were false, with the alleged intention of inciting public disorder, promoting disaffection, and defaming the President.
The five counts include:
1. Publishing false information via X (formerly Twitter) intended to incite public unrest, in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
2. Publishing the same false message via Facebook, also in breach of the same Cybercrimes Act provision.
3. Defamation via X, contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
4. Defamation via Facebook, also under Section 375.
5. Publication of false information with intent to cause public fear and disturbance, in violation of Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
The DSS maintains that these posts were not only defamatory but were also capable of provoking tensions and inciting violence, particularly among those with opposing political views regarding the President.
Further updates are expected following Sowore’s arraignment.
