Amanze Chinonye
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested 29-year-old Innocent Chukwuma in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after he allegedly used his X (formerly Twitter) account, @TheAgroman, to call for a military takeover of the government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to verified reports, Chukwuma published a series of posts urging soldiers to intervene in Nigeria’s governance. In one widely circulated message, he wrote: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now. It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country. 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.”
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Intelligence sources revealed that DSS operatives used digital forensic tools to trace the suspect’s online activities, eventually locating him in Oyigbo.
He was arrested without resistance and is said to be cooperating with investigators. According to sources his digital devices and online communications have been seized for analysis to determine whether he had any connections to wider networks or individuals linked to the recently uncovered coup plot involving detained military officers.
Though the DSS has not yet announced formal charges, analysts say Chukwuma’s posts could fall under laws prohibiting sedition, incitement, and cyber-related offences. Constitutional lawyer Barr. Nnenna Opara explained that “public advocacy for a coup, even on social media, is not protected under the right to free expression – it is a serious national security offence.”
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Security experts also warned that online agitation for unconstitutional change poses grave risks to national stability. “Social media may be a space for dissent,” Mr Wole a public Analyst noted, “but calls for military intervention will be treated as acts of subversion.”
The arrest comes amid ongoing investigations by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) into an alleged coup plot involving at least 16 senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The DIA has reportedly detained the officers in Abuja, while former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also under investigation for possible links to the conspiracy.
Officials say the DSS’s arrest of Chukwuma aligns with a broader national security crackdown against individuals promoting anti-government or pro-coup narratives online and offline.
As of press time, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest. However, sources within the security community confirmed that Chukwuma is being held in custody in Port Harcourt and will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
Nigeria has witnessed rising online discontent amid economic pressures and insecurity, but recent developments have raised alarms among security agencies.
The DSS and DIA have intensified surveillance on social media users and retired officers suspected of stoking unrest. Observers say the arrest of Chukwuma marks a warning sign that authorities are moving decisively to prevent any actions that could threaten the country’s democratic order.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
