DSS charges 27-year-old for allegedly calling for military coup in social media posts
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a 27-year-old man, Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume, on a six-count charge accusing him of advocating a military takeover and publishing threatening messages on social media.
According to the charge filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025) and dated November 11, the DSS alleges that Onukwume — who lives in Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State — posted messages in October 2025 that were intended to cause public alarm and foment hostility against the federal government.
Filed by A. M. Danalami, the prosecution says Onukwume’s conduct breaches provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended), specifically citing Sections 46A(1), 59(1) of the Criminal Code and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.
The charge lists multiple counts that quote the social-media posts attributed to the accused, including calls for a coup — “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES” — and messages urging support for military intervention and denouncing the presidency and the ruling party.
The DSS said Onukwume is expected to be formally arraigned before the end of the week.
