DSS demands retraction, public apology from Sowore over Tinubu remarks

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a formal letter to activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, demanding the withdrawal of a post he made on his verified X handle which the agency described as “false, malicious, and capable of inciting public disturbance.”

In the letter dated September 7, 2025, and signed by Uwem Davis on behalf of the Director General, the DSS accused Sowore of disparaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a post referencing the President’s comments during a trip to Brazil.

The agency warned that the remarks had offended many Nigerians, particularly Tinubu’s supporters, who had become “restive.”

The DSS gave Sowore a one-week ultimatum to retract the statement and tender a public apology. The apology, according to the agency, must be published on the same platform with equal prominence and carried in at least two national newspapers and two television stations.

“You may wish to note that your choice of words in the description of the President are false, malicious, and capable of inciting public disturbance, disunity, and breakdown of law and order,” the letter stated, adding that Sowore’s comments could provoke “insurrection” and lower the President’s standing at home and abroad.

The DSS also reminded Sowore of his status as a political figure, urging him to exercise restraint and responsibility in his public statements. Failure to comply, the agency warned, would compel it to “explore all lawful means” to address the matter.

The letter, titled “Demand for Retraction of Criminal, False and Malicious Post Publication”, was addressed to Sowore’s U.S. residence in Englewood, New Jersey, and copied to the United States Embassy in Abuja.