Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly targeting the X (formerly Twitter) account of Sahara Reporters publisher and activist, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement on Sunday, Adeyanju described the DSS move as “unacceptable” and an attack on democracy.
‘I Won’t Delete It,’ Sowore Responds To DSS’ Stance Over Alleged Anti-Tinubu Tweet
“The targeting of Omoyele Sowore’s account by the DSS is unacceptable and should be condemned. Every citizen has the right to freely share their opinions, even when those opinions do not align with those in authority,” he said.
Adeyanju accused the secret police of weaponising state power to silence dissent voices.
“The use of state power to silence and intimidate individuals because of their views is an attack on the very freedoms that sustain a healthy democracy,” he added.
The activist also highlighted Sowore’s history of clashes with government, saying he has consistently remained a victim of intolerance but he continued to “speak his mind courageously.”
Adeyanju stressed that Sowore was not only a journalist but also a former presidential candidate whose political commentary carries significant weight.
“His criticisms of the president or government policies must be treated with respect, no matter how uncomfortable they may be for those in power,” he said.
LEADERSHIP reports that Sowore had on Sunday morning raised the alarm that the DSS had written to X demanding the removal of his (Sowore) post on President Bola Tinubu and the deactivation of his account, citing national security concerns. Sowore, however, vowed not to delete the post.