DSS Arraigns Paul Jibrin Owelek for Coup Allegations

Paul Jibrin Owelek was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday. He faces two counts of allegedly inciting a military coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The charges include making subversive broadcasts and transmitting messages that threaten public order. According to the DSS, Owelek used the social media platform Owelek TV to disseminate messages calling for a military coup to remove President Tinubu, drawing parallels to the political situation in Burkina Faso.

The prosecution, led by Michael Olujobi Bajela, informed the court that the charges contravene sections of the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015, as amended in 2024. Owelek pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court was asked to fix a trial date while he remains in custody.

Justice Akintoye Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, to hear Owelek's bail application.