Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), and X (formerly Twitter), over what he describes as ongoing and coordinated violations of his fundamental human rights. The lawsuit, which was filed in a Nigerian federal court, marks a bold step in Sowore’s long-running battle against state censorship and digital suppression.
According to the suit, Sowore alleges that the DSS engaged in unlawful surveillance, harassment, and restriction of his freedom of movement and expression—particularly relating to his activism and journalistic work with Sahara Reporters. He claims that these actions are part of a larger effort to silence dissent and intimidate voices critical of the Nigerian government.
Sowore also accuses Meta and X of complicity in these violations by allegedly cooperating with government agencies to take down his posts, suspend accounts, or limit the reach of his content. He claims that these platforms, while positioning themselves as defenders of free speech, have instead enabled political suppression by complying with takedown requests and restricting his digital footprint without due process.
The lawsuit demands accountability and transparency from these tech giants, especially regarding their content moderation practices in Africa. Sowore’s legal team argues that international social media platforms should not serve as tools for authoritarian regimes, especially when their actions directly affect democratic discourse and human rights advocacy.
This is not the first time Sowore has clashed with the DSS. He was infamously arrested in 2019 over his #RevolutionNow campaign and detained for months despite court orders for his release. The current lawsuit references that incident as part of a pattern of harassment and unconstitutional actions by the security agency.
Legal analysts believe the case could test the limits of accountability for foreign tech firms operating in Nigeria, particularly when it comes to balancing local laws with global free speech principles. If successful, the suit may compel Meta and X to publish transparency reports specific to Nigeria or revise their moderation policies in politically sensitive contexts.
Reactions have been swift on social media. Supporters of Sowore see this move as long overdue, praising him for challenging both state power and corporate tech giants. Critics, however, accuse him of grandstanding and argue that platforms like Meta and X have policies that apply universally, not personally.
Meta and X have yet to issue official responses regarding the lawsuit. The DSS, known for its secrecy, has also remained silent on the matter. However, insiders suggest that the federal government may quietly monitor the case due to its potential implications on international relations and digital governance.
Human rights organizations, both local and international, have started to show interest in the case. Groups like Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists are reportedly reviewing the claims to consider whether they warrant broader advocacy or legal support.
As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of Sowore’s case could set a significant precedent—not just for Nigeria, but for how digital rights and state surveillance are addressed across Africa. For now, it represents a bold confrontation with both political power and the tech platforms shaping modern discourse.
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