The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man identified as Innocent Chukwuma in Oyigbo, near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for allegedly using his X (formerly Twitter) social media handle to call on the Nigerian military to overthrow the current democratic government. According to security sources, the suspect’s online posts were flagged for inciting messages capable of undermining national security and encouraging unconstitutional change of government. His arrest followed a discreet operation by DSS operatives who traced his digital footprint to his residence in Oyigbo.
Reports revealed that Chukwuma had repeatedly published posts urging members of the armed forces to take over political leadership in Nigeria, claiming that the present administration had failed the people. His messages, which circulated widely across social media, reportedly gained attention among online political commentators before the DSS intervened. Intelligence officers, after weeks of surveillance, tracked his location and apprehended him without resistance.
The DSS considers the suspect’s action as a grave threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional order. A top security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that such incitement, if unchecked, could embolden extremist groups or create instability within the military hierarchy. The source added that the agency would continue to monitor social media spaces for similar activities that threaten public peace and the integrity of the Nigerian state.
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Following the arrest, the suspect was taken into custody at the DSS facility in Port Harcourt, where he is being interrogated. Investigators are said to be analyzing his mobile devices, social media accounts, and communication records to determine if he acted alone or in collaboration with other individuals or groups. Preliminary findings, according to insiders, suggest that his posts violated several provisions of Nigerian law regarding treasonable acts and the incitement of public disorder.
Legal analysts have pointed out that using social media to advocate for a military takeover falls under the category of treasonable felony, a serious offense that carries severe penalties under Nigerian law. The constitution explicitly forbids any attempt to subvert democratic governance or encourage the military to seize power. Chukwuma may face prosecution for incitement, conspiracy, and use of information technology to threaten national security once investigations are concluded.
Security experts have commended the DSS for swiftly responding to what they described as a growing trend of online radicalization and political incitement. They emphasized that while citizens have the right to free expression, such freedom must not extend to calling for actions that can destabilize the nation. The incident, they say, serves as a reminder that social media platforms are being closely watched for content capable of threatening Nigeria’s democratic structure.
This arrest comes at a time when the country is experiencing heightened political tension and economic challenges, which have made social media platforms breeding grounds for agitation and disinformation. Authorities have consistently warned Nigerians to exercise caution online and avoid sharing messages that could be interpreted as promoting violence or rebellion. The DSS has vowed to continue its digital surveillance efforts to identify and neutralize any subversive elements before they escalate.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest. However, sources close to the investigation confirmed that the agency will make a public announcement once preliminary findings are finalized. The development underscores Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance against any act that seeks to undermine democratic governance or disrupt national peace and unity.
