Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has rejected a request from Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) to take down a post by activist Omoyele Sowore criticizing President Bola Tinubu.
In an email sent to Sowore on Sunday morning, X said the DSS claimed his content violated Nigerian laws. However, the platform clarified that it had “not taken any action on the reported content at this time.”
“One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet,” Sowore responded, describing the DSS letter as a “despicable threat” and branding the security agency “lawless.”
X Stands by Policy
X noted that its policy is to notify users whenever it receives a government request to remove content, regardless of the user’s country of residence.
“X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users,” the company stated, pointing Sowore to its legal FAQs and transparency reports.
Free Speech Flashpoint
The move has intensified tensions between Sowore and Nigeria’s security agencies, following weeks of allegations of harassment, arrests, and court battles. It also raises fresh questions about censorship, digital rights, and how global tech platforms respond to state pressure.
For Sowore, however, the stance remains defiant: “The struggle continues whether with or without a Twitter account.”
