The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested a Nigerian man in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after he allegedly made social media posts calling for the military to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The suspect, identified as Innocent Chukwuma, was said to have used his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @TheAgroman, to make a series of posts encouraging the Nigerian military to stage a coup and suspend democratic governance.
According to security sources, the DSS tracked the man’s online activity for several days before tracing him to his residence in Oyigbo. He was then arrested in a swift operation carried out by intelligence officers.
What He Posted on X (Twitter)
In the controversial posts that drew widespread attention, Chukwuma 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 claim that, “It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.”
In another post, he added: “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.”
These messages, which many described as treasonous and dangerous, quickly gained attention online before authorities intervened.
DSS Tracks and Arrests Suspect
Security operatives reportedly used advanced cyber-monitoring tools to locate the suspect after verifying that his X account was still active and posting from within Nigeria.
Upon his arrest, DSS agents confiscated several electronic devices, including phones and computers believed to have been used in making the posts. The suspect was then transported to an undisclosed DSS facility for questioning.
A top security source who confirmed the arrest noted that the operation was carried out discreetly to avoid public unrest.
Suspect Cooperating with Investigators
Sources close to the investigation disclosed that Chukwuma has been cooperating with DSS officials and providing information regarding his online activities and contacts.
Authorities are currently reviewing his online communications and connections to determine if others were involved in spreading similar anti-government messages.
Security analysts revealed that the DSS may charge him under laws relating to incitement, sedition, and treasonable offenses, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Legal and Security Implications
Under Nigerian law, any call for a military takeover or unconstitutional change of government is a serious offense punishable by imprisonment. Such acts are often classified as threats to national security and public order.
Legal experts note that while freedom of expression is protected by the constitution, it does not extend to promoting treason, violence, or the disruption of democratic institutions.
Analysts also warned that inflammatory online statements could inspire unrest or embolden extremist groups, emphasizing the importance of responsible social media use.
Public Reactions and Mixed Opinions
Following the arrest, Nigerians have expressed mixed views online. While many praised the DSS for acting swiftly to curb anti-democratic rhetoric, others criticized the agency for what they described as heavy-handedness and an attack on free speech.
One X user wrote: “Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to call for treason. The DSS did the right thing.” Another user, however, commented: “People are getting arrested just for talking. We’re becoming a police state.”
The discussion has since reignited debates around the balance between national security and citizens’ rights in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The DSS is expected to complete its investigation and determine whether to formally charge Innocent Chukwuma in court. If convicted, he could face lengthy imprisonment depending on the gravity of the charges filed against him.
Officials have also stated that further arrests may follow if any accomplices or online collaborators are identified through digital forensics.
The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional order and warned that it will continue to monitor social media for any posts that threaten national peace and stability.
The case continues to attract nationwide attention as Nigerians await official updates from the DSS regarding the suspect’s legal fate.