Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Paul Jibrin Oweleke before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used social media to call for a military coup to remove President Bola Tinubu from office.
Oweleke was brought before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime and the transmission of messages said to be capable of inciting public disorder.
At the commencement of proceedings, DSS counsel Michael Bajela informed the court that the prosecution had filed a two-count charge against the defendant and requested that the charges be read so he could enter his plea. After the charges were read, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts.
According to the prosecution, Oweleke used his social media platform, “Oweleke TV,” to publish messages and broadcasts allegedly calling on the military to overthrow the Tinubu administration and replicate political developments that occurred in Burkina Faso.
The DSS alleged that the messages were subversive and intended to incite members of the public, cause disaffection and undermine law and order in the country. Bajela told the court that Oweleke allegedly transmitted the messages on or about May 23, 2025, through his social media handle.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant knowingly transmitted messages through the same platform that bullied, threatened or harassed President Tinubu, thereby placing the President and the office of the President in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
According to the DSS, the alleged offences contravene Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and are punishable under the relevant provisions of the law.
Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand him in correctional custody pending the determination of the case.
Counsel for the defendant informed the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution. While indicating no objection to the fixing of a trial date, the defence sought permission to move the bail application.
Bajela acknowledged receipt of the application but told the court it had been served shortly before proceedings commenced, adding that the prosecution required time to study it and file a response.
After hearing both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oweleke be remanded in custody pending the determination of the application.
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