Innocent Chukwuma trial set for May 18 after social media posts urged military to overthrow President Tinubu

The trial of Innocent Chukwuma, accused of calling for a military overthrow of the Bola Tinubu administration, will begin on May 18, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the date on Monday following an application by the prosecution lawyer, David Kaswe.

Kaswe requested an adjournment to allow sufficient time to study the case file, which was recently transferred to his office by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The judge granted the request, setting May 18 and 19 for trial proceedings.

Chukwuma was arraigned earlier this year after allegedly posting on his social media account “@TheAgroman” on X, calling for a coup to “dispose of APC” and “suspend the Nigerian Government.”

The post reportedly urged the military to join the AES movement.

DSS operatives traced Chukwuma to Oyigbo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was arrested and subsequently charged. The case is officially filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, titled Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Innocent Chukwuma Onukwume.

Legal observers note that the trial is expected to draw attention due to the sensitive nature of alleged incitement against Nigeria’s democratically elected leadership.

Justice Abdulmalik’s scheduling of the proceedings aims to ensure the prosecution is fully prepared while maintaining judicial efficiency.

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Chukwuma’s upcoming trial marks a pivotal moment in how Nigerian authorities address the intersection of social media expression and national security.