Six individuals, including a retired major general and a serving police inspector, have pleaded not guilty to charges of plotting a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. During their appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the defendants were remanded to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). A seventh suspect, former Governor and Oil Minister Timipre Sylva, was named as a co-conspirator but remains at large.
The case stems from the abrupt cancellation of Nigeriaβs 65th Independence Anniversary parade in October 2025, which officials initially attributed to general security threats. While the military originally denied reports of an uprising, it later announced that 16 serving officers would face a court-martial. The group currently before the Federal High Courtβcomprising civilians and retired personnelβfaces charges of treason, terrorism, and money laundering.
The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, and two others. Court documents allege the group conspired with Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Maβaji, the suspected mastermind currently facing a military trial, to βlevy war against the state.β Prosecutors also claim the defendants suppressed intelligence and engaged in money-laundering to finance the plot.
Defense lawyers raised concerns during the proceedings, stating they had been denied access to their clients since September 2025, suggesting the arrests took place before the canceled October celebrations. Meanwhile, Timipre Sylva has previously dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, maintaining that he was abroad for medical treatment when investigators raided his home.
As one of the most significant treason cases since Nigeriaβs return to civilian rule in 1999, the trial is drawing intense public scrutiny. While the arraignment has provided some clarity following months of speculation, many questions remain regarding the full extent of the conspiracy. Bail hearings for the six defendants are scheduled for April 27.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/
