The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended a man in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for allegedly using social media to incite the military to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The suspect, identified as Innocent Chukwuma, was accused of using his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @TheAgroman, to make posts that openly called for a coup in Nigeria. His arrest has since sparked mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the limits of free speech and national security concerns. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

What the Suspect Posted

According to reports, Chukwuma took to X to post a series of messages encouraging the armed forces to seize power from the current government. In one of his controversial posts, he allegedly wrote:

“A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

He further claimed that the country’s problems could only be solved through military intervention, writing:

“It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.”

In another post, Chukwuma reportedly made a derogatory statement about the President, saying:

“The man in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them.”

These remarks, viewed as incitement to treason, quickly drew the attention of security operatives, leading to his arrest in Oyigbo after several days of monitoring his online activities.

DSS Moves In

Sources close to the DSS confirmed that the suspect was picked up quietly without resistance. He was then transferred to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:

“The DSS will not tolerate any form of incitement that threatens Nigeria’s democracy. Anyone caught promoting instability or calling for military takeover will face the full weight of the law.”

The source further added that the agency had been tracking Chukwuma’s activities for weeks, noting that his posts had gone viral among certain online groups that shared anti-government sentiments.

Public Reaction and Debate

Following the news of his arrest, social media platforms were flooded with diverse opinions. While some users argued that Chukwuma’s comments amounted to treasonable felony, others claimed that his arrest was an attack on freedom of expression.

One user wrote on X:

“You can’t go online and openly ask the military to overthrow an elected government. That’s not free speech — that’s treason.”

Another commented:

“Instead of arresting him, the government should focus on addressing the frustrations that make people lose faith in democracy.”

Legal experts have also weighed in on the issue. Barrister Tunde Oladipo, a constitutional lawyer, stated that calls for a coup are criminal under Nigerian law, as they constitute incitement against a democratically elected government.
He said:

“No democracy in the world tolerates such statements. The constitution is clear — the military must remain under civilian authority. Any public encouragement of rebellion is a serious offense.”

Government’s Firm Stance on National Security

The Tinubu administration has consistently reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any attempt to destabilize the nation. Recently, the government warned citizens against spreading false information or making statements capable of inciting unrest.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, had earlier emphasized that the government would protect democratic institutions and punish those attempting to undermine national peace.

He stated:

“Freedom of speech does not include the right to call for insurrection or treason. The DSS and other agencies are on alert to deal decisively with individuals or groups who promote instability.”

A Growing Trend of Online Radicalism

Security analysts believe the rise of online radicalism and political extremism poses new challenges for law enforcement. Social media has given individuals a platform to express frustration, but experts warn that calls for coups or rebellion cross the line into national security threats.

The DSS is expected to issue an official statement soon, clarifying the next steps in Chukwuma’s case.

As investigations continue, Nigerians are reminded that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it comes with responsibility and legal boundaries.