The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested a man identified as Innocent Chukwuma in Oyigbo, Rivers State, for allegedly using his social media account to call for a military takeover of the Nigerian government.
Chukwuma, who operates the X (formerly Twitter) account @TheAgroman, had in several posts openly urged soldiers to suspend the current democratic government and “reset” the country, a statement security agencies consider a direct incitement against the state.
Sources within the security community revealed that operatives tracked Chukwuma through his online activities before effecting his arrest at his residence in Oyigbo. He was reportedly taken into custody for interrogation at a DSS facility in Port Harcourt.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations show that Chukwuma made multiple online statements promoting anti-democratic sentiments and encouraging the armed forces to seize power. “He has been cooperating with investigators since his arrest,” one of the sources confirmed, adding that the service is reviewing his digital communications to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a wider network.
The DSS is yet to release an official statement on the matter, but security analysts say the arrest underscores the government’s increasing attention to online incitement, especially posts capable of undermining national stability or encouraging unconstitutional actions.
Observers have urged Nigerians to exercise caution and responsibility in their social media engagements, warning that calls for extra-constitutional change of government amount to treasonable offenses under Nigerian law.
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