The Department of State Services (DSS) has brought a defendant, Paul Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used social media to advocate for a military takeover of government.
Oweleke was arraigned before Justice Akintoye Aluko on two counts bordering on alleged cybercrime offences. The charges centre on claims that he circulated content deemed subversive through his online platform, “Oweleke TV.”
Counsel for the Department of State Services, Michael Bajela, told the court that the defendant, around 23 May 2025, published broadcasts calling for the unconstitutional removal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and referenced military takeovers in Burkina Faso as a model.
The prosecution also alleged that the content was capable of provoking public tension and disrupting public order. It further stated that the defendant used his platform to issue threats and harassment directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, creating fears of possible harm against the President and the office he holds.
The DSS maintained that the alleged actions contravened sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The defendant pleaded not guilty after the charges were read in court.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the case proceed to trial and that the defendant remain in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
Justice Aluko ordered that Oweleke be remanded and adjourned the matter until 16 June 2026 for hearing of the bail application.
