The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday brought a man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing him of using social media to advocate for a military takeover of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Oweleke was arraigned before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge relating to alleged cybercrime and the dissemination of messages said to be capable of triggering public unrest.
When the case was mentioned, DSS counsel, Michael Bajela, informed the court that charges had been filed and urged that they be formally read so the defendant could enter his plea.
After the charges were read in open court, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The prosecution alleged that Oweleke, via his social media platform “Oweleke TV,” circulated content calling on the military to oust the Tinubu government and replicate recent coups in Burkina Faso.
According to the DSS, the publications were subversive in nature and intended to provoke public agitation, spread disaffection, and disrupt public order.
Bajela further told the court that on or about May 23, 2025, the defendant knowingly transmitted such messages through his platform, which the agency described as inciting and dangerous to national stability.
He also alleged that the posts amounted to harassment and intimidation directed at President Tinubu, creating fear of harm and threatening the peace of the presidency.
The prosecution argued that the alleged offences violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), particularly sections relating to cyber harassment and transmission of harmful or inciting messages.
However, the defendant maintained a not-guilty plea to all allegations.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested that a trial date be fixed and that the defendant be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
Defence counsel, however, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution, adding that he was ready to move the motion if the court allowed it.
The prosecution acknowledged receipt of the application but noted it was served shortly before proceedings began, requesting time to respond appropriately.
After hearing both sides, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter to June 16, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending the outcome.