DSS Arraigns Paul Owelek for Alleged Coup Call Against Tinubu

Paul Jibrin Owelek was arraigned on Monday by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly making a broadcast that called for the removal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through a military coup. He faces two counts linked to cybercrime, including making subversive broadcasts and transmitting messages that threaten the president and endanger public peace.

The prosecution claims that Owelek used a social media platform known as Owelek TV to publish messages urging the military to overthrow the current administration, which they argue could create public unrest and promote disaffection against the government. During the court proceedings, Owelek pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The DSS requested that he be remanded in custody pending the commencement of his trial, which is scheduled for June 16, 2026. The defense counsel did not object to the request for remand, and a bail application has already been filed.