DSS Arraigns Man for Alleged Coup Incitement on Social Media

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a man, Paul Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly using a social media platform to incite Nigerians to support a military coup against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oweleke was docked before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge relating to alleged cybercrime offences, including the dissemination of subversive messages and threats against the President through his social media platform, “Oweleke TV.”

Legal counsel of the DSS, Michael Bajela, told the judge that the defendant, on or about May 23rd, 2025, knowingly transmitted messages and broadcasts calling for the unconstitutional removal of President Tinubu and urging a replication of the military takeover witnessed in Burkina Faso.

Bajela also told the court that the broadcasts were capable of inciting public discontent and undermining law and order in the country. The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant used his social media platform to b#lly, threaten and harass the President, thereby placing both the Nigerian leader and the institution of the Presidency in fear of death, v!olence, or bodily harm.

According to the DSS counsel, the offences committed by Oweleke violated sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

When the charges were read to him, the accused pleaded not guilty.

Following the plea, Bajela urged the court to fix a date for trial and also remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of the trial. But the defence lawyer informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until 16 June 2026 for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application and ordered that he be remanded pending further proceedings.