DSS Files Six-Count Charge Against Man Over Coup Posts

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a six-count charge against 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume, accused of promoting calls for a military coup in Nigeria. The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, was submitted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 11 by A.M. Danalami on behalf of the DSS.

Investigators allege that Onukwume, a resident of Umusayo Layout in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, made several online statements in October 2025 urging the military to take over power and attacking the president and ruling party. One of the alleged posts read: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigeria government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

The DSS stated that the offences violate Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended). Another post reportedly urged Nigerians to back the military, claiming that only the armed forces could “reset the country.”

Onukwume is expected to appear in court before the end of the week. The case has drawn attention to the rising trend of online agitation against democratic institutions and the federal government’s firm stance on such conduct.