ABUJA, Nigeria — The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a social media user who publicly called for a military coup to overthrow Nigeria’s current government.
According to Daily Trust, Innocent Chukwuma, who posted under the handle “@TheAgroman” on X (formerly Twitter), was apprehended by the secret police in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, according to Daily Trust.
The Posts
In his social media posts, Chukwuma explicitly advocated for military intervention, writing: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.”
He continued: “It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country. The bastard 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.”
The posts appeared to reference President Bola Tinubu’s administration and called on Nigerians to support military action against the democratically elected government.
Context of Coup Speculation
The arrest comes amid heightened speculation about political instability in Nigeria. Recent reports have suggested an attempted plot to overthrow President Tinubu’s government, though these claims have been officially disputed.
Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary parade was reportedly cancelled over alleged coup plot concerns, fueling public discussion about government stability.However, on October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed such reports as “false and misleading.”
Discussion about a potential coup intensified one week after President Tinubu fired his Service Chiefs, a move that reignited debate about military loyalty and potential challenges to civilian authority.
Legal Implications
Advocacy for the overthrow of a constitutionally elected government is a serious offense under Nigerian law. The DSS, Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, is responsible for detecting and preventing threats to national security, including coup plots and sedition.
The arrest highlights ongoing tensions between free speech and national security concerns in Nigeria, where criticism of government can lead to detention by security agencies.
