By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a six-count criminal charge against 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume for allegedly advocating a military coup through his social media posts.
The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, stems from a series of posts the suspect allegedly made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @theagroman, in October 2025.
According to the DSS, Onukwume’s posts incited the removal of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), called for the suspension of the federal government, and urged citizens to support the military in taking over power.
The agency’s counsel, A.M. Danalami, filed the charge on Tuesday, stating that Onukwume’s actions violated Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
Among the posts cited by prosecutors was one in which the defendant allegedly wrote: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”
He was also accused of posting: “It will happen eventually, Nigerian. The military needs your support now! Only they can save this country. The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West… only the military can reset this country.”
In another message, Onukwume allegedly declared: “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.”
The DSS said the suspect, who resides in Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, will be arraigned in court later this week.
His arrest comes amid renewed concerns over alleged coup plots following social media speculation in October about discontent within the military ranks.
While the reports sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, senior lawyers, and retired generals, the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed the claims, insisting there was “no coup-related plan or detention” in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
