DSS files charge against man ‘advocating for coup’ on social media

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a criminal charge against one Innocent Onukwume, a 27-year-old man, for allegedly advocating for a coup.

The six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025 was filed before a federal high court in Abuja by A. M. Danalami, DSS counsel, on Tuesday.

According to the charge, Onukwume of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo LGA of Rivers, allegedly made a post on his verified X account (@theagroman) in October pining for a putsch in the country.

“A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES. That is all we need now,” the defendant was said to have written.

Checks by TheCable show that the defendant’s X account has now been suspended.

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

The charge stated that Onukwume made the post with the intent to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb public peace.

No date has been fixed for the arraignment.

The development arrives on the heels of recent reports of a foiled coup plot.

In October, military authorities made arrests following an alleged botched coup. Sixteen of the suspects were first arrested during preliminary interrogation, with a source telling TheCable that over 30 officers were in custody as of October 31.

Military authorities have yet to officially confirm the coup plot.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.