The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume for allegedly calling for a military coup in Nigeria. The six-count charge was filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja and is linked to posts Onukwume made on his verified X account in October 2025.
The DSS claims Onukwume’s posts encouraged the removal of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), called for the suspension of the federal government, and supported military intervention. According to the charge, his comments contravene various sections of the Criminal Code and the Cybercrimes Act.
Some of Onukwume’s statements included remarks advocating for a coup, claiming that military action was necessary for national salvation and criticizing the current administration. The DSS has cited repeated statements supporting the need for a coup in the charges against him.
Onukwume, a resident of Rivers State, is expected to be arraigned later this week. His arrest follows earlier reports of alleged coup plots involving military personnel against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which have sparked public outrage and condemnation from various quarters.
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed these coup reports, asserting that there are no plans or detentions related to a coup within the military.
