Man Remanded  Over Alleged Social Media Broadcasts Calling For Coup Against Tinubu 

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

A man identified as  Paul Jibrin Oweleke has landed himself in trouble by allegedly calling for the overthrow of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a series of social media broadcasts.

This is as a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday ordered Oweleke to be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while linking his actions to cybercrime-related offences.

Oweleke was arraigned on 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.

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

The DSS said the broadcasts were capable of inciting public disorder and promoting disaffection against the government, which will undermine the country’s democracy.

Reacting to allegations made in the suit filed against him, the defendant 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.

Subsequently, Akintoye Aluko, the presiding judge, adjourned the matter to 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 application.

Oweleke’s case is considered concerning because two months ago the federal government arraigned six suspects over allegations of plotting a coup to oust Tinubu.