The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a six-count charge against a 27-year-old social media user, Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume, for allegedly using his verified X (Twitter) account to call for a military coup against the Nigerian government.
According to court filings sighted in Abuja, the DSS accused Onukwume, a resident of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State, of publishing messages online that incited the military to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The case, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, was entered on November 11, 2025.
The case, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, was entered on November 11, 2025.
The DSS said the alleged offences contravene Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2024.
Among the posts cited by the DSS are statements allegedly calling for the “disposal of APC and suspension of the Nigerian government” and urging citizens to support the military in “saving the country.”
Security analysts say the case underscores the government’s increasing focus on digital accountability and national security in the social media space, amid rising online political commentary.
Onukwume is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the coming days.
