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 a military coup to remove President Bola Tinubu from office.
Oweleke was arraigned before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime and the transmission of messages said to be capable of inciting public disorder.
When the case was called, DSS counsel Michael Bajela informed the court that the prosecution had filed a two-count charge and requested that it be read to allow the defendant enter his plea.
The charges were read in open court, and Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts.
According to the DSS, the defendant, through a social media platform known as “Oweleke TV,” allegedly published messages calling on the military to overthrow the Tinubu administration and replicate recent political events in Burkina Faso.
The prosecution said the content of the broadcasts was subversive in nature and capable of inciting public unrest, disaffection, and a breakdown of law and order.
Bajela further told the court that Oweleke allegedly, on or about May 23, 2025, knowingly transmitted such messages through his social media handle, which were described as dangerous and inflammatory.
The DSS also accused him of using the platform to threaten, bully, or harass President Tinubu, thereby allegedly placing the President and the office of the President in fear of violence or harm.
Oweleke, however, denied all the allegations and maintained his not guilty plea.
Following the plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in custody pending hearing. Defence counsel, on the other hand, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution, and requested that it be heard.
The prosecution acknowledged receipt of the application but said it was served shortly before the sitting and requested time to respond.
After listening to both sides, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the outcome.
