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DSS Files Suit Against Sowore, Facebook, X for Alleged Incitement Online

By Kingdom Chieche Nwafor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly instituted legal action against activist Omoyele Sowore, alongside social media giants Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), over a series of posts deemed to be anti-President Bola Tinubu.

According to sources familiar with the development, the DSS is accusing Sowore and the two global tech platforms of publishing and amplifying content allegedly aimed at discrediting the President and undermining national security. The security agency is said to have filed the suit in a Federal High Court, seeking judicial intervention to hold the parties accountable for what it describes as “deliberate misinformation and incitement capable of destabilising the country.”

While the details of the court filings are yet to be fully disclosed, the DSS is reportedly demanding that the platforms strengthen content moderation measures to prevent the spread of what it terms “false and subversive narratives” against the Nigerian government.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has long been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian administrations. His frequent use of social media platforms to challenge government policies has often brought him into conflict with security agencies.

The lawsuit, observers say, underscores growing tensions between the Nigerian government and digital platforms over freedom of expression, regulation of online content, and the limits of dissent in the country’s democratic space.

Neither Sowore nor representatives of Facebook and X have officially commented on the case at the time of filing this report.

PDP to INEC: Nigerians Won’t Accept Excuses in 2027 Elections

By Kingdom Chieche Nwafor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that Nigerians will not tolerate excuses or technical failures in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, PDP spokespersons emphasized that with advancements in financial technology and the widespread efficiency of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines across the country, there should be no justification for recurring glitches in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or other election technologies.

“If POS machines that serve millions of Nigerians daily hardly fail, then BVAS has no reason to malfunction during elections. INEC must guarantee credibility, transparency, and efficiency in 2027,” the party stated.

The PDP criticized what it described as avoidable lapses in the 2023 polls, where reports of faulty BVAS devices, delayed uploads of results, and other technical setbacks undermined public confidence in the electoral process. According to the party, such irregularities must not be repeated.

The opposition party also urged INEC to begin early preparations, conduct nationwide system tests, and ensure that all election materials and technologies are fully optimized well before the polls.

The PDP maintained that Nigerians are determined to safeguard their votes and will not accept any form of disenfranchisement caused by poor planning or negligence.

“INEC has four years to fix every technical gap. Failure will not be excused. Nigerians are watching,” the party warned.

INEC is yet to formally respond to the PDP’s latest statement.

Do you want me to also make this report more detailed with reactions from analysts/civil society, or keep it short and focused on the PDP’s statement?

Nigeria's January 1, 2026 TIN Deadline Sparks Widespread Concern

Abuja, Nigeria - A looming deadline is sending shockwaves through Nigeria's financial landscape, with millions facing potential exclusion from banking and business transactions starting January 1, 2026, unless they obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

The mandate, rooted in Nigeria's tax laws, stipulates that individuals and businesses must possess a TIN to operate bank accounts, conduct financial transactions, access financial services, and engage in business operations. The requirement applies broadly - from market traders like Mama Ngozi selling tomatoes in Akwata Market to civil servants, students, entrepreneurs, and even foreigners residing in Nigeria ¹ ² ³.

Why the Push for TIN?
Government officials cite several motivations behind the new tax policy:

Tracking Unaccounted Funds: Nigeria seeks to curb untracked money flows.

Expanding Tax Base: Nigeria's tax-to-GDP ratio is among the world's lowest; less than 10% of Nigerians currently pay taxes.

Transaction Monitoring: All financial activities will link to a TIN, enhancing transparency.

Implications of Not Having a TIN

Blocked Bank Accounts: Banks may restrict services without a TIN come January 2026.

Halted Business Transactions: No TIN could grind business operations to a halt.

Financial Exclusion: Applies to everyone operating a bank account, dispelling myths it's only for companies.

How to Obtain a TIN

Getting a TIN is straightforward and free:
For Individuals
1. Online Registration: Visit the Joint Tax Board (JTB) TIN portal www.jtb.gov.ng.
2. In-Person: Go to a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office with NIN slip, National ID, utility bill, and passport photo.
3. Fill a form; processing typically takes same day to a few days.

For Businesses
1. Registered Companies: Often get TIN automatically via Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration.
2. Business TIN: Separate from personal TIN; CAC certificate needed.

Expert Insights

The TIN isn't just about tax collection; it's central to building a financial database, allowing government oversight of incomes, spending, and transfers. "TIN is your new identity," emphasizes a financial literacy advocate, superseding BVN or NIN in importance for financial access.

Urgent Call to Action

With 2026 approaching fast, Nigerians are urged to act promptly. "2026 will separate those who prepared and those who will cry," warns an expert. For Mama Ngozi and millions like her, timely TIN registration could be pivotal to sustaining livelihoods.