A FEDERAL High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the remand of Paul Jibrin Oweleke in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime offences linked to social media broadcasts said to have called for the overthrow of President Bola Tinubu.
News Point Nigeria reports that Oweleke was arraigned before the court on a two-count charge bordering on alleged incitement and the use of a computer system to disseminate content considered prejudicial to national security and constitutional governance.
According to the DSS, the defendant used his online platform, “Oweleke TV,” to publish broadcasts allegedly urging the Nigerian military to remove President Tinubu from office in a manner similar to military takeovers witnessed in some West African countries.
The security agency argued that the broadcasts were capable of inciting public disorder, promoting disaffection against the government and undermining Nigeria’s democratic system.
At the arraignment, Oweleke pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following his plea, counsel for the DSS urged the court to remand the defendant pending the commencement of trial.
However, counsel to the defendant informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and duly served on the prosecution.
After listening to both parties, Justice Akintoye Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16 for the hearing of the bail application.
The judge subsequently ordered that Oweleke be remanded in DSS custody pending the determination of his application for bail.
The latest development comes barely two months after the Federal Government arraigned six suspects over allegations of plotting a coup aimed at removing President Tinubu from office.
The charges against Oweleke remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
