DSS Charges Man for Advocating Military Coup in Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a six-count charge against 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume for allegedly calling for a military coup in Nigeria.

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025. They stem from posts Onukwume made in October 2025 on his verified X account (@theagroman), in which he reportedly urged the removal of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suspension of the federal government, and military takeover of the country.

Filed by DSS counsel A.M. Danalami, the charges allege that Onukwume’s actions violated Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

Some of the statements attributed to him included calls for the military to “dispose of APC,” suspend the government, and remove President Bola Tinubu, claiming that only the military could “reset” the country.

Onukwume, a resident of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State, is expected to be arraigned later this week.

The case follows reports in October suggesting an alleged coup plot by certain military personnel, which sparked public concern. Senior lawyers, civil society groups, and retired officers warned against attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democracy. The Defence Headquarters has dismissed these reports, clarifying that no coup plans or detentions are ongoing within the military.