The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a Nigerian man, Innocent Chukwuma, for allegedly calling for a military coup through social media posts.
Chukwuma, known online by his X handle @TheAgroman, reportedly urged the military to suspend the Nigerian government and take control of the country. His controversial posts have since gone viral, triggering a storm of reactions online.
In one of his posts, he 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 went further to declare that “the military needs your support now. Only them can save this country.”
Another post allegedly targeted President Bola Tinubu, saying, “The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West. Only the military can reset Nigeria.”
Security sources told revealed that DSS operatives tracked and arrested Chukwuma in Oyigbo, Rivers State.
He is said to be cooperating with investigators as the agency probes possible links to wider coup-related activities.
However, the arrest has ignited a fierce online debate.
Some Nigerians condemned Chukwuma’s comments as treasonable and dangerous. Others, though, believe the government is using security agencies to silence critics and suppress free speech.
Constitutional lawyer Barrister Tunde Oladipo explained that calls for a coup amount to incitement under Nigerian law.
He stressed that any advocacy for the overthrow of a democratically elected government is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment.
The arrest comes amid growing tension following earlier reports revealing an ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu.
According to the report, soldiers recently raided the Abuja home of former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva as part of the Defence Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) ongoing probe. His brother was reportedly detained during the raid.
Multiple military insiders said at least 16 senior officers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force have been in secret detention for weeks in Abuja. Families of the detained officers initially feared they had been kidnapped until learning of their arrest through unofficial channels.
Sources claim intelligence linked some political figures to secret meetings with detained officers before the alleged plot was uncovered.
The DSS and DIA have yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or the alleged coup plot, but security watchers say the situation underscores rising anxiety within Nigeria’s political and military circles.
Observers warn that while the government must protect democracy, security agencies must also respect civil liberties and ensure transparency in handling such sensitive cases.