Court Remands Man Calling For Coup Against Tinubu

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday remanded 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.

Naija News reports that Oweleke was arraigned on two counts of alleged incitement and the use of a computer system to disseminate content deemed prejudicial to national security and constitutional governance.

DSS alleges incitement

The DSS alleged that Oweleke published posts on his online platform, “Oweleke TV,” urging the Nigerian military to remove Tinubu from office in a manner similar to military takeovers in some West African countries.

The security agency said the broadcasts were capable of inciting public disorder and promoting disaffection against the government.

According to the DSS, the posts could also undermine Nigeria’s democracy. Oweleke pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his plea, counsel for 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.

The presiding judge, Justice Akintoye Aluko, adjourned the matter until June 16 to hear the bail application.

He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending the determination of the application.

The development comes barely two months after the Federal Government arraigned six suspects over allegations of plotting to oust Tinubu.