The Department of State Services (DSS) has brought Paul Jibrin Oweleke before a Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used a social media platform to incite the Nigerian military to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oweleke was arraigned on Monday before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge linked to alleged cybercrime offences. The charges border on making subversive broadcasts and transmitting messages alleged to threaten the President and undermine public order across the country.

According to the prosecution, Oweleke allegedly used his social media channel, known as “Oweleke TV,” to disseminate content calling for a military coup against the democratically elected government of President Tinubu. The DSS further alleged that the broadcasts encouraged an unconstitutional change of government similar to recent military takeovers witnessed in Burkina Faso.

The first count accuses Oweleke of knowingly transmitting the alleged coup-inciting broadcasts on or about May 23, 2025, through his platform. The second count alleges that he transmitted messages through the same channel that threatened, harassed, or intimidated the President, thereby placing both the person and the office of the President in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm. The charges are said to be in contravention of provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

DSS counsel, Michael Bajela told the court that the broadcasts were capable of inciting public discontent, causing disaffection against the government, and provoking a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.

Oweleke, through his counsel, denied all the allegations levelled against him. His defence team also informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution, indicating readiness to argue the application immediately.

However, DSS counsel stated that the application had only just been received and that more time was needed to study it and prepare an adequate response.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application. The court also ordered that Oweleke be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the outcome of proceedings.

The arraignment is the latest in a series of prosecutions by Nigerian security agencies targeting individuals accused of using social media platforms to call for unconstitutional changes of government, amid heightened sensitivity around issues of national security and democratic stability.