The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a social media user identified as Innocent Chukwuma, who allegedly called on the Nigerian military to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Chukwuma, known on X (formerly Twitter) by the handle @TheAgroman, was apprehended in Oyigbo, Rivers State, after intelligence operatives tracked his online activities that authorities described as “a direct incitement to treason.”
In one of his now-deleted posts, Chukwuma had urged the armed forces to “dispose of the APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES,” claiming that “only them can save this country.” He went further to allege that “the bastard in Aso Rock has sold this country to the West,” and insisted that “only the military can reset this country.”
Security sources told Daily Trust that his posts triggered a rapid response from the DSS, which has been on high alert following unverified reports of a coup plot earlier this month. According to the sources, Chukwuma’s arrest is part of a wider effort by the intelligence community to curb “dangerous rhetoric capable of destabilising the nation.”
A DSS official who spoke on condition of anonymity said:
“The Service will not tolerate any attempt, whether in word or deed, to subvert the constitutional order. Citizens are free to express themselves, but calls for insurrection or military intervention will be met with the full weight of the law.”
The development comes amid increased online agitation and dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, which has worsened since the removal of the fuel subsidy. Analysts believe such sentiments are fueling desperation among some citizens, leading to extreme expressions of frustration on social media.
While the DSS has yet to release an official statement, sources close to the investigation confirmed that Chukwuma remains in custody and will likely be charged under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws, which criminalize acts of incitement against the government.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier described reports of a planned coup as “false and misleading,” urging Nigerians to disregard rumors and maintain faith in democratic institutions.
Nigeria, which has experienced several military interventions in its history, has remained under democratic rule since 1999, when the country transitioned from military dictatorship to civilian governance. The DSS, therefore, maintains that it will continue to safeguard the nation’s democracy and protect the integrity of the constitutional order.
Public reaction to the arrest has been mixed. While some Nigerians on social media praised the DSS for acting swiftly, others called for restraint, arguing that expressing political dissatisfaction—no matter how extreme—should not automatically be equated with treason.
As of press time, the DSS has not disclosed further details regarding Chukwuma’s legal representation or the date of his arraignment.