A human rights lawyer has petitioned Meta Platforms Inc. to reject a request by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) to deactivate the Facebook account of activist Omoyele Sowore. Inibehe Effiong, in a letter to Meta, described the DSS demand as unlawful and unconstitutional, citing a threat to the right to freedom of expression.

The DSS had written to social media giants, Meta and X Incorporated, demanding the deactivation of Sowore’s social media handles, accusing him of posting content that maligned the character of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. However, Effiong argued that the laws cited by the DSS were irrelevant and that Sowore’s post did not breach Meta’s Community Standards.

The lawyer maintained that the DSS was acting on behalf of the President, despite the lack of any legal action initiated by Tinubu against Sowore. Effiong emphasized that if the President felt aggrieved by any publication, he should seek redress in court rather than using security agencies to intimidate critics. The lawyer urged Meta to resist the DSS’s request, which he characterized as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and suppress dissenting voices.

The petition highlights the ongoing debate about freedom of expression and social media regulation in Nigeria. The DSS’s request has sparked concerns about government overreach and the potential for censorship. Effiong’s petition emphasizes the importance of protecting citizens’ right to free speech, particularly in the digital sphere.

Complying with the DSS’s request would set a dangerous precedent, emboldening further government clampdowns on free expression, according to Effiong. The lawyer’s petition serves as a reminder of the need for social media companies to balance regulatory demands with their commitment to upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression.

The outcome of this petition remains to be seen, but it has significant implications for the future of social media regulation and freedom of expression in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the response of Meta and other social media companies to similar requests, and their commitment to protecting users’ rights in the face of government pressure.