Nigeria Activist Sowore Sues Meta, X and DSS Over Rights Violations and Censorship

Omoleye Sowore has sued Meta, X, and the DSS over human rights violations and unconstitutional censorship. Sowore's legal team argues that no security agency has the authority to suppress freedom of speech, and that censorship of political criticism is alien to democracy. The DSS has filed charges against Sowore and the social media platforms for allegedly misusing freedom of speech on President Tinubu.

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent Nigerian activist and journalist, has filed a lawsuit against the State Security Service (SSS), Meta (owners of Facebook), and X Corp. (formerly Twitter) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The lawsuit challenges the unconstitutional censorship of Sowore's social media accounts, alleging that the DSS has overstepped its authority in attempting to suppress freedom of speech SOWORE GOES TO COURT AGAINST SSS, META AND X^[1].

The legal action, led by Tope Temokun of Tope Temokun Chambers, Lagos, argues that no security agency has the power to censor citizens on social media. The lawsuit contends that the DSS's actions violate the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39. The plaintiffs maintain that the censorship is not about the content of Sowore's statements but about the survival of free speech in Nigeria SOWORE GOES TO COURT AGAINST SSS, META AND X^[1].

Sowore's legal team has also urged Meta to reject the DSS's request to close his Facebook page. Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, has argued that the DSS's actions are unlawful, unconstitutional, and a misuse of power. Effiong stated that the DSS's request is an attempt to censor political criticism and that it is the pinnacle of impunity for the agency to use its power to defend the president's personal reputation Sowore’s lawyer urges Meta to reject DSS ban request^[2].

The case has broader implications for digital freedom in Nigeria, where government institutions have increasingly clashed with activists over online content. Sowore's legal team has positioned the case as one not only about him but about the protection of room for disagreement within Nigeria's democracy. The battle between Sowore, the DSS, and Meta highlights the ongoing struggle to balance regulation, security, and free speech in the digital age Sowore’s lawyer urges Meta to reject DSS ban request^[2].

As the case progresses, it will be crucial to observe how Meta responds to the DSS's request. The company's decision will set a precedent for how global tech companies interact with government demands for censorship. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting free speech in the digital age.