DSS files charge against man for allegedly calling for coup

Nov. 12, 2025

The Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, filed a criminal charge against a 27-year-old man, Innocent Onukwume, for allegedly advocating for a coup in the country.

The DSS, in the six-count charge, filed at the Federal High Court in Abujja, said Onukwume of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo LGA of Rivers, allegedly committed the offence in October this year.

The security agency filed the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, on Nov. 11 by its lawyer, A. M. Danalami.

The DSS stated that by his conduct, Onukwume committed offences
contrary to and punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (As Amended).

Onukwume, who is the sole defendant in the charge, may be arraigned within the week.

In count one, Onukwume was alleged to have, sometimes in October, 2025, and having the intent to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturbing the public peace, posted a message calling for a coup in Nigeria on his social media account.

He was alleged to have posted on his verified X account (@theagroman), the following words: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

The offence is said to be punishable under Section 59 (1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, among other counts.(NAN)