A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of a man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of broadcasting messages calling for a military coup to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Oweleke was brought before Justice Akintoye Aluko on Monday on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences, including subversive broadcasts and the transmission of messages said to threaten the President and endanger public peace.
According to the DSS, the defendant allegedly used his social media platform, “Oweleke TV,” to publish messages urging the military to overthrow the current administration. The agency further claimed the broadcasts promoted an unconstitutional change of government and referenced political developments in Burkina Faso as a comparison.
The DSS told the court that the messages were capable of inciting public unrest, encouraging disaffection against the government and potentially disrupting law and order across the country.
During proceedings, DSS counsel, Michael Olujobi Bajela, informed the court that the agency had filed a two-count charge and requested that it be read to the defendant.
After the charges were read, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The prosecution subsequently asked the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial. Counsel to the defendant did not oppose the application for a trial date but informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
He also indicated readiness to move the bail application, but the DSS counsel said he had only just received it and needed time to respond.
After listening to both sides, Justice Aluko adjourned the case to June 16, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Court documents indicated that in the first count, Oweleke was accused of knowingly transmitting broadcasts on or about May 23, 2025, allegedly calling for a military coup against President Tinubu and encouraging an unconstitutional change of government.
The second count alleged that he sent messages through the same platform that threatened, harassed or intimidated the President, with prosecutors claiming the content placed both the occupant and office of the President in fear of violence or bodily harm.
The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
Oweleke denied all allegations and is expected to pursue his bail application when the matter resumes.
