The Department of State Services (DSS) has instituted legal proceedings against activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of cyberbullying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through posts made on social media.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, is registered under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025. Also listed as co-defendants are Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook) and X Corp. (formerly Twitter).
Allegations Against Sowore
According to the DSS, Sowore allegedly made a post on August 25 and 26, 2025, in which he referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal.” The security agency stated that the remarks were false, defamatory, and capable of inciting public unrest.
The DSS further noted that Sowore ignored a formal request to take down the posts, leaving the agency with no option but to initiate legal action.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The charges are based on the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024. Specifically, prosecutors cited:
- Section 24(1)(b): cyberstalking and cyberbullying,
- Section 375 of the Criminal Code: criminal defamation, and
- Section 59: publication of information likely to cause fear or disturb public peace.
Next Steps
Sowore is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the coming days. The case is likely to draw significant public attention, given Sowore’s long history of activism and criticism of successive Nigerian governments.
Neither Sowore nor his legal team have publicly responded to the charges at the time of filing this report.
Author: ICT DEPT
FCT COMMAND ICT DEPT