A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Paul Jibrin Oweleke following his arraignment by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of making online broadcasts that called for the overthrow of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Oweleke appeared before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences, including the transmission of messages deemed subversive and capable of threatening public order.

According to the DSS, the defendant used his social media platform, “Oweleke TV,” to disseminate content allegedly advocating a military takeover of government and urging a political transition similar to that witnessed in Burkina Faso through unconstitutional means.

The agency further alleged that the broadcasts were intended to incite public disaffection against the government and provoke unrest across the country.

The charges were brought under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

During the proceedings, DSS prosecutor Michael Olujobi Bajela informed the court that the agency had filed a two-count charge and requested that the defendant be made to enter his plea.

After the charges were read, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts.

The prosecution subsequently asked the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and fix a date for trial.

Counsel to the defendant informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution, expressing readiness to argue the application immediately.

However, the prosecution said the application had only been served shortly before the hearing and requested time to review and respond to it.

Following submissions from both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the case until June 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oweleke remain in custody pending further proceedings.

In the first count, the DSS accused the defendant of transmitting broadcasts on or about May 23, 2025, allegedly calling for a military coup against President Tinubu and encouraging an unconstitutional change of government.

The second count alleges that he transmitted messages through the same platform that threatened, harassed, or intimidated the President, thereby placing both the office holder and the presidency in fear of violence or bodily harm.

Oweleke denied all the allegations and is expected to remain in custody until the court considers his bail request.