Arraigns Man Over Alleged Social Media Call for Military Coup Against Tinubu
By: Zagazola Makama
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday remanded a man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime offences linked to social media broadcasts calling for the overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Oweleke was arraigned before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged incitement and the use of a computer system to disseminate content considered prejudicial to national security and constitutional governance.
The DSS alleged that the defendant, through his online platform known as “Oweleke TV”, published messages urging the Nigerian military to remove the President from office and emulate military takeovers recently witnessed in some West African countries.
According to the prosecution, the broadcasts were capable of inciting public disorder, promoting disaffection against the government and undermining Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
When the charges were read to him, Oweleke pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, counsel to the DSS urged the court to remand the defendant pending the commencement of trial.
However, defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
Justice Aluko subsequently adjourned the matter until June 16 for the hearing of the bail application.
The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending the determination of the bail request.
The charges were brought under relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended.
