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Sowore defies DSS as X rejects FG’s request to suspend his account

Published

3 months ago

September 7, 2025

Former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore

Sowore defies DSS as X rejects FG’s request to suspend his account

The Department of State Services (DSS) has moved to silence activist Omoyele Sowore by asking X (formerly Twitter) to deactivate his account. The request has been rejected, but the clash has sparked a wider storm over censorship, security agencies, and free speech in Nigeria.

“Again, the DSS Joins the Fray After Police Failure”

Omoyele Sowore, activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, said he was not surprised to discover that the DSS had written to X demanding his verified account be deactivated within 24 hours.

He described the move as a continuation of harassment after earlier police attempts to silence him failed.

“This latest self-disgrace by the DSS is a desecration of national dignity,” Sowore said.

He accused the Tinubu government of weaponizing the police, Immigration, and the judiciary against him citing a no-entry list, the seizure of his passport, violent arrests, and fabricated terrorism charges.

“Who are these so-called Tinubu supporters if not the DSS, the police, and other conscienceless security agencies?” he asked.

Sowore likened the ordeal to his clashes with the DSS under Buhari, insisting: “Like before, these tactics will fall flat.”

On Sunday morning, X confirmed in a notice to Sowore that it had received a legal request from the DSS to remove his content, but clarified that it had “not taken any action on the reported content at this time.”

X stated: “As X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify users if we receive a legal request from an authorized entity to remove content.”

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The company pointed Sowore to its transparency reports and legal FAQs, stressing that users are always informed of government takedown demands, regardless of their country of residence.

Sowore’s immediate response was defiance: “One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet.”

“Exporting National Disgrace to Twitter”

Doubling down, Sowore accused the DSS of taking Nigeria’s “lawlessness” to the United States, where X is headquartered.

“The lawless DSS wrote to X demanding my account be deactivated simply for criticizing Tinubu and his corrupt, non-performing governors. Now they’ve exported their disgrace to the US. But like under the Buhari regime, these tactics will fall flat.”

He framed the clash as a broader struggle: “Will Nigerians continue to be held hostage by a tiny, wicked band of rogues? As for me, there is no going back. With or without Twitter, with or without Facebook, in or out of jail—the struggle continues.”

In perhaps his sharpest rebuke, Sowore mocked the Tinubu government for chasing censorship instead of solving Nigeria’s economic crisis.

“Instead of deactivating POVERTY, HUNGER, STARVATION, and CORRUPTION, the Tinubu regime is busy trying to deactivate my social media handles. SHAMELESS!” he wrote, tagging #RevolutionNow.

The post has since gone viral, fuelling debate over digital rights, authoritarian overreach, and whether Nigeria’s security agencies are prioritizing regime protection over governance.

What’s Next?

With X refusing to comply and Sowore refusing to back down, the standoff is far from over. Rights groups and international observers are watching closely, as the case could become a landmark moment for free expression in Nigeria’s digital space.

For now, Sowore’s message is clear: “The struggle continues whether with or without a Twitter account.”

Sowore defies DSS as X rejects FG’s request to suspend his account

Related Topics:account DSS Featured Sowore Tinubu govt

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.