The Department of State Services (DSS) has summoned activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over a social media post it described as “false and malicious” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a letter dated September 7, 2025, signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General of the Service, Sowore was directed to retract his comment on X (formerly Twitter) and tender a public apology within one week.

The DSS alleged that Sowore referred to the President as a “criminal” in a post on August 26, 2025, while mocking Tinubu’s remarks on corruption during his visit to Brazil. According to the Service, the post was “repugnant, derogatory and capable of inciting public disturbance.”

The letter further instructed Sowore to issue an unequivocal retraction on the same platform, publish apologies in at least two national newspapers and two television stations, and send a representation to DSS headquarters in Abuja or via email.

The DSS also copied the United States Embassy in Abuja, informing it of the development. It warned that Sowore’s remarks could diminish the President’s image at home and abroad, and potentially “trigger disunity, insurrection, or a breakdown of law and order.”

“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country must exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech,” the agency stated, stressing that it would not hesitate to take lawful measures if he failed to comply.

Reaffirming its mandate to counter misinformation, the DSS said it would “explore all lawful means” to ensure false propaganda does not undermine national unity.