DSS Charges 27-Year-Old Man For Advocating Military Coup On Social Media
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume on a six-count charge for allegedly calling for a military coup in Nigeria.
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, allege that Onukwume, a resident of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State, committed the offences in October 2025.
Filed on November 11 by DSS lawyer A. M. Danalami, the charge states that Onukwume’s actions contravened Sections 46 A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended). He is expected to be formally arraigned before the end of the week.
According to the DSS, some of the allegations include:
- Posting a message on his verified X account (@theagroman) calling for a coup, saying: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES. That is all we need now,” an act alleged to have caused public fear and alarm, contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
- Publishing statements on social media claiming that only the military could “reset the country” and accusing the government of selling the nation to foreign powers, in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
- Posting derogatory messages targeting the President and the APC, including: “Tinubu has to go and APC has to die for Nigeria to have any semblance of normal life. And if you think your stupid votes can remove Tinubu, I’m here to tell you that you’re a fool,” also cited under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
The DSS alleges that all posts were made with the intent to cause annoyance, fear, obstruction, or needless anxiety against the Nigerian government.
The case has drawn attention to issues of social media conduct, national security, and cybercrime legislation.
