Nigerian human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher Omoyele Sowore has refused to comply with a demand by the State Security Services (SSS) to delete a post on X, formerly Twitter, and deactivate his account.
Sowore’s legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, described the SSS directive as “unlawful, unconstitutional, and without legal foundation.” In a letter to X’s legal and policy department, the lawyers argued that the request violated Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The legal team cited Nigerian court rulings stating that executive agencies, including the SSS, cannot curtail fundamental rights without a valid court order. They warned that compliance could expose X to potential breaches of both Nigerian and international human rights standards.
Sowore, in a Facebook post, condemned the SSS demand as “a desecration of national dignity” and part of an ongoing effort to silence his criticism. He recounted previous harassment, including arrests, detentions, and travel restrictions linked to his activism.
The SSS, in a letter signed by B. Bamigboye on behalf of its Director General, accused Sowore of publishing “misleading information, hate speech and content capable of inciting violence,” pointing to a post in which he called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” and alleged corruption. The agency warned of “far-reaching, sweeping and across-the-board measures” if the post was not removed.
X confirmed receipt of the SSS request but said it had not taken action, advising Sowore to seek legal counsel or support from civil society groups. Sowore has vowed not to delete the post, describing the SSS action as “despicable” and “lawless.”
Sowore has faced repeated arrests and prosecutions over his activism, including campaigns under the #RevolutionNow and #EndBadGovernance movements. He alleged that the Tinubu administration has continued to use security agencies to intimidate him.