The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s internal intelligence agency, has brought a six-count charge against Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume, aged 27, for allegedly advocating for the removal of President Bola Tinubu’s government through a military coup.
According to the charges, Onukwume, who lives in Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State, reportedly made the calls for a coup in posts on his X account (@theagroman) in October.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, claim that Onukwume also solicited support from military personnel to carry out the alleged coup.
The filing was submitted on November 11 by A. M. Danalami, representing the DSS.
In one of his posts, Onukwume is quoted as writing: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES. That is all we need now.” In another post, he allegedly stated: “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 maintains that his online statements violate Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended), and are subject to legal penalties.
Onukwume was apprehended in Port Harcourt last month following intelligence gathering of online activities considered a risk to national security. Court proceedings are scheduled to begin later this week.
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