Owelek TV Operator Remanded for Alleged Coup Call

Paul Jibrin Owelek, the operator of Owelek TV, was remanded in custody by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on May 23, 2025. He faces two counts of charges related to cybercrime, including making subversive broadcasts that allegedly called for a military coup to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The charges state that Owelek knowingly transmitted messages via social media that threatened to undermine public order and incite the Nigerian populace against the government. The prosecution, led by Michael Olujobi Bajela, informed the court that they were ready to proceed with the trial and requested a date for the hearing of Owelek's bail application.

Owelek pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Akintoy Aluko adjourned the matter to June 16, 2026, for the bail application hearing, while Owelek remains in custody pending further proceedings.