The Department of State Services has arraigned Paul Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly using a social media platform to incite Nigerians to support a military coup against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Oweleke was arraigned before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge of dissemination of subversive messages and threats against the President through his social media platform, “Oweleke TV.”
On resumption of the court, counsel to the DSS Michael Bajela, informed the judge that the defendant, on or about 23rd May, 2025, knowingly transmitted messages and broadcasts calling for the unconstitutional removal of President Tinubu and urging a replication of the military takeover witnessed in Burkina Faso.
Bajela also told the court that the broadcasts were capable of inciting public discontent and undermining law and order in the country.
The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant used his social media platform to bully, threaten and harass the President, thereby placing both the Nigerian leader and the institution of the Presidency in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm.
He maintained that the offences violated sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Oweleke, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following the plea, Bajela urged the court to fix a date for trial and also remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of the trial.
But the defence lawyer informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
While not opposing the request for a trial date, the defence sought leave to move the bail application.
Responding, Bajela acknowledged receipt of the application but stated it had been served shortly before proceedings began and that more time was needed to study its contents and prepare a response.
After listening to both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until 16 June 2026 for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application and ordered that he be remanded pending further proceedings.
In the charge, the DSS alleged that Oweleke deliberately used his social media platform to promote messages advocating a military coup as a means of overthrowing the democratically elected government, an act the agency described as subversive and capable of destabilising the country.
The prosecution also accused him of transmitting messages deemed threatening to President Tinubu, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
