DSS Files Six-Count Charge Over Alleged Calls for Military Coup

DSS files six-count charge accusing man of calling for a coup.
Charge cites X posts urging military intervention and suspension of government.
Accused to be arraigned before week’s end; matter heads to court.

The Department of State Services has filed a six-count charge against Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume over alleged calls for a military coup and related offences, the agency said on Tuesday. The charge, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the charge, Onukwume, a 27-year-old resident of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, committed the offences in October 2025 by publishing messages on his verified X account (@theagroman) that the DSS says were intended to cause public alarm and to undermine the government. The agency said some posts urged the military to remove the government and called for the suspension of the administration.

The DSS said the conduct contravened Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act. Additional counts allege breaches of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended), including charges that the accused knowingly posted messages intended to cause “annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, enmity, criminal intimidation, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety” against the federal government.

Prosecution sources say the charge sheet quotes several online posts attributed to Onukwume, including the line: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES. That is all we need now.” Other alleged posts cited by the DSS reportedly accused the presidency of being compromised and urged popular support for military intervention.

Zagazola Makama, a DSS official, said Onukwume would be arraigned before the end of the week. The development marks a continuation of government efforts to curb online activity the security agency deems capable of inciting violence or threatening national stability.

The matter will now be determined in court where the accused will be afforded the opportunity to respond to the charges.