A young Nigerian has found himself in serious legal trouble after security operatives accused him of using his social media platform to call for military takeover of the government.
Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume, 27, is now facing six criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja following allegations that he posted messages advocating for the overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Department of State Services filed the charges on Tuesday at the Abuja court, with the case registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025. DSS lawyer A.M. Danalami is prosecuting the matter.
Court documents reveal that Onukwume, who lives in Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, allegedly made the inflammatory posts through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, @theagroman, last October.
The security agency claims the posts directly encouraged Nigerians to support a military coup that would remove the ruling All Progressives Congress from power and suspend the federal government.
One of the posts quoted in the charge sheet reads: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”
Another message attributed to him stated: “It will happen eventually, Nigerian. The military needs your support now! Only they can save this country. The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West and they run our intelligence apparatus only the military can reset this country.”
The DSS also cited a third post where Onukwume allegedly wrote: “Tinubu has to go and APC has to die for Nigeria to have any semblance of normal life. And if you think your stupid votes can remove Tinubu, I’m here to tell you that you’re a fool.”
Security operatives say these statements violated multiple laws, including Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, and Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.
The young man is expected to appear before the court for arraignment later this week.
The charges come months after rumours spread in October about an alleged plot by some military officers to topple Tinubu’s government. The reports sparked widespread concern across the country, with prominent lawyers, civil rights groups, and retired military generals speaking out strongly against any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
However, the Defence Headquarters quickly dismissed the claims, saying no military personnel were being detained for coup-related activities and that no such plan existed within the armed forces.
