The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a formal directive to social media platform X.com, demanding the removal of a tweet posted by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore within 24 hours.
The tweet, which criticized President Bola Tinubu, was deemed by authorities to be inflammatory and a threat to national security.
Sowore’s post, referencing a statement made by President Tinubu during a visit to Brazil, read:
“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!”
In response, the Department of State Services (DSS) sent an official letter to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of X.com, headquartered in Bastrop County, Texas, USA.
The letter accused Sowore of spreading false information with the intent to incite violence, promote hate speech, and undermine the credibility of the Nigerian president.
Signed by Mr. B. Bamigboye on behalf of the Director General of the DSS, the letter stated:
“The author and purveyor of the inflammatory online publication against Mr. President is very much aware that the publication is prohibited by Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and other relevant laws of Nigeria.”
The DSS further argued that the tweet violated multiple legal provisions, including:
– Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 77 (prohibition of false publication)
– Sections 19, 22, and 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2025 (offences related to fake news, offensive content, and online harassment)
– Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022
According to the DSS, both the author and the platform hosting the content could be held criminally liable.
The agency warned X.com of “far-reaching, sweeping, and across-the-board measures” should the company fail to comply.
“This demand is unequivocal, with attendant consequences. Should you fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with the command in this notice, the Federal Government of Nigeria will be compelled to act,” the letter stated.
As of the time of this report, X.com had not publicly responded to the Nigerian government’s demand.