Nigeria’s DSS Arrests Man Over Online Call for Coup Against Tinubu Government

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nigeria’s DSS Arrests Man Over Online Call for Coup Against Tinubu Government

Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man identified as Innocent Chukwuma in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for allegedly using social media to call for a military takeover of President Bola Tinubu’s government.

According to security sources, Chukwuma, who operates the social media account @TheAgroman on X (formerly Twitter), posted several messages urging the military to overthrow the federal government and “reset” the country.

His posts reportedly included derogatory remarks directed at the president and open appeals for support from Nigerians.

One of his posts read:

“A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian government, and join the AES. The bastard in Aso Rock has sold this country to the West. Only the military can save us. Support them.”

DSS operatives tracked and arrested Chukwuma in Rivers State on Tuesday following intelligence reports linking his online activity to incitement against the Nigerian government. A senior security official confirmed that the suspect is cooperating with investigators.

The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria following reports of an alleged plot to destabilise the Tinubu administration.

Military and intelligence agencies have reportedly been on alert after receiving information about individuals attempting to recruit sympathisers for anti-government activities.

Last week, investigators detained the Managing Director of a federal agency in the South-South region over alleged links to the same coup plot.

Sources said the official was questioned after transferring a large sum of money to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who has been accused of being one of the financiers of the suspected plot.

Security sources revealed that Sylva’s Abuja residence was raided on Saturday, during which his younger brother, Paga Sylva, and his driver were arrested. The former Bayelsa State governor was reportedly out of the country at the time.

A senior intelligence officer told reporters that the government is “treating the matter as a national security threat,” stressing that any attempt to incite mutiny or undermine the constitution will be dealt with decisively.

The DSS has not yet released an official statement, but insiders say the agency is expanding its investigation to identify other individuals linked to the online campaign calling for a coup.

The development has reignited conversations around freedom of expression and national security in Nigeria, with human rights advocates urging authorities to strike a balance between monitoring hate speech and respecting civil liberties.

President Tinubu’s administration has yet to comment publicly on the arrest, but sources within the Presidency say security agencies have been directed to act swiftly against anyone promoting instability in the country.

If found guilty of incitement or treasonable offences, Chukwuma could face serious legal consequences under Nigeria’s national security laws.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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