DSS arraigns man for allegedly calling on Military to oust Tinubu

By Akin Kuponiyi

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned a man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used social media to call for the overthrow of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration through a military coup.

Oweleke was brought before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences, including incitement and the transmission of messages deemed capable of undermining public order and constitutional governance.

According to the charge filed by DSS counsel, Michael Olujobi Bajela, the defendant allegedly used his social media platform, “Oweleke TV”, to publish messages and broadcasts urging the Nigerian military to remove President Tinubu from office and replicate the military-led political changes witnessed in Burkina Faso.

The DSS alleged that the messages were subversive and intended to incite members of the public against the government, with the potential to cause disaffection and a breakdown of law and order.

The prosecution said the alleged offence contravenes Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and is punishable under the same provision.

When the matter came up in court, Bajela informed the court that the prosecution had filed a two-count charge against the defendant and requested that the charges be read to enable him to enter his plea.

Following the reading of the charges, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts.

The prosecution subsequently asked the court to fix a date for trial and order the defendant’s remand in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending further proceedings.

However, counsel to the defendant informed the court that an application seeking his client’s bail had already been filed and served on the prosecution. He indicated his readiness to move the application if permitted by the court.

Responding, the prosecution acknowledged receipt of the bail application but noted that it had been served shortly before the commencement of proceedings and requested time to study the application and file an appropriate response.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.

According to the first count, the DSS alleged that Oweleke, on or about May 23, 2025, knowingly or intentionally transmitted messages through his social media handle, “Oweleke TV”, calling for a military coup to remove President Tinubu and replicate the political situation in Burkina Faso through unconstitutional means.

The prosecution further alleged that the action was capable of causing public disaffection and disrupting law and order.

In the second count, Oweleke was accused of knowingly transmitting messages through a computer system or network that allegedly bullied, threatened or harassed President Tinubu, thereby placing the President and the Office of the President in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The charge was brought under Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and is punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i) of the same Act.