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The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against social media giants X (formerly Twitter), Meta (owners of Facebook), and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
Court documents sighted on Tuesday revealed that the charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2015, were instituted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant, with Sowore, X Inc., and Meta Inc. listed as defendants.
According to the charge sheet, Sowore is accused of using his official X handle, @YeleSowore, and his Facebook page to publish a post on August 25 and 26, 2025, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” and accusing him of making false claims about corruption while on an official trip to Brazil.
The DSS alleged that the posts were false, defamatory, and capable of inciting public disorder, thereby violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as sections of the Criminal Code Act.
Count one and two of the charge accuse Sowore of knowingly posting false information on both platforms to cause a breakdown of law and order. Counts three and four specifically allege defamation against the person and reputation of President Tinubu. Count five charges Sowore with publishing false information with intent to cause public fear and disturbance.
