Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a man, Paul Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly using a social media platform to incite Nigerians to support a military coup against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Oweleke was docked before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a
two-count charge relating to alleged cybercrime offences, including the
dissemination of subversive messages and threats against the President through
his social media platform, “Oweleke TV.”
Legal counsel of the DSS, Michael Bajela, told the judge
that the defendant, on or about May 23rd, 2025, knowingly transmitted messages
and broadcasts calling for the unconstitutional removal of President Tinubu and
urging a replication of the military takeover witnessed in Burkina Faso.
Bajela also told the court that the broadcasts were capable
of inciting public discontent and undermining law and order in the country. The
prosecutor further alleged that the defendant used his social media platform to
b#lly, threaten and harass the President, thereby placing both the Nigerian
leader and the institution of the Presidency in fear of de@th, v!olence, or
bodily h@rm.
According to the DSS counsel, the offences committed by
Oweleke violated sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes
(Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
When the charges were read to him, the accused pleaded not
guilty.
Following the plea, Bajela urged the court to fix a date for
trial and also remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional
Service pending the conclusion of the trial. But the defence lawyer informed
the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the
prosecution.
Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until 16 June 2026 for
the hearing of the defendant’s bail application and ordered that he be remanded
pending further proceedings.
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