The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned a Lagos-based man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used social media platforms to advocate the overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Oweleke was brought before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime and the transmission of messages said to be capable of inciting public disorder.
At the commencement of proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Michael Bajela, informed the court that the DSS had filed charges against the defendant and requested that the charges be read to him.
After the charges were read, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts.
According to the DSS, the defendant allegedly used his social media platform, “Oweleke TV,” to publish broadcasts and messages calling on the Nigerian military to remove the current administration and emulate the military-led political changes witnessed in Burkina Faso.
The security agency claimed that the messages were subversive and capable of inciting members of the public, creating disaffection against the government, and undermining public order.
The prosecution further alleged that Oweleke knowingly transmitted the messages around May 23, 2025, through his online platform with the intention of encouraging actions that could destabilise the country.
In addition, the DSS accused him of publishing content that allegedly threatened, bullied, or harassed President Tinubu, thereby causing fear of violence or bodily harm to the President and the office he occupies.
The prosecution said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Following the defendant’s plea, Bajela urged the court to remand him in custody and fix a date for trial.
However, defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution. The lawyer expressed readiness to move the application if allowed by the court.
Responding, the prosecution acknowledged receipt of the application but requested additional time to study its contents and file a response, noting that it had only been served shortly before the court session began.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.
The court also ordered that Oweleke be remanded in custody pending the determination of his request for bail.
Headline: DSS Arraigns Man Over Alleged Social Media Calls for Tinubu’s Overthrow
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