…as DSS warns that failure by X.com to comply with the directive would lead to “far-reaching, sweeping, and across-the-board measures.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian government has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to X.com, formerly known as Twitter, demanding the immediate removal of a tweet made by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, which allegedly disparaged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and poses a threat to national security.
The directive was contained in an official letter dated September 6, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman and CEO of X.com at the company’s headquarters in Bastrop County, Texas, USA. The letter was signed by Mr. B. Bamigboye on behalf of the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In the controversial tweet, Sowore had written:
“This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
The DSS claims the tweet is not only false and defamatory but also amounts to a serious violation of Nigerian cyber laws and could incite unrest within the country.
“The author and purveyor of the inflammatory online publication against Mr. President is very much aware that the publication is also prohibited by Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and other relevant laws of Nigeria,” the letter read.
The agency alleged that Sowore’s post was a deliberate attempt to provoke ethnic and political division, discredit the presidency, and damage Nigeria’s image globally. It further claimed the post could potentially incite violence and public disorder.
Citing legal backing, the DSS referenced:
• Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 77, which prohibits the publication of false information.
• Sections 19, 22, and 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2025, which criminalize the spread of fake news, offensive content, and incitement.
• Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, which covers acts that could promote ideological violence and national disunity.
“It is not in doubt that the words employed by Mr. Omoyele Sowore are misleading information, online harassment and abuse with willful intention of furthering an ideology capable of serious harm,” the government stated.
The DSS warned that failure by X.com to comply with the directive would lead to “far-reaching, sweeping, and across-the-board measures” from relevant Nigerian authorities.
“This demand is unequivocal, with its attendant consequences. Should you fail, neglect, or refuse to comply… the Federal Government of Nigeria will be compelled to act,” the DSS cautioned.
As of press time, X.com had not issued an official response to the ultimatum. Sowore, known for his fierce criticism of the Tinubu administration, has remained defiant on his platform.
The incident adds to growing tensions between the Nigerian government and social media platforms, raising questions about censorship, national security, and digital free speech.
