Nigeria’s Suspected Coup Plotters Deny Treason Charges
Seven hours ago
Mansur Abubakar and Chris Ewokor, BBC Africa, Abuja
Security was heavily enforced at the Federal High Court during the hearing where the suspected coup plotters were remanded in custody. Six individuals, including a retired major general and a serving police inspector, have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
The Court Proceedings
– The defendants appeared in Abuja, the nation’s capital, where they were ordered to remain in custody under the oversight of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s domestic spy agency.
– A seventh conspirator, former governor and oil minister Timipre Sylva, has been named but remains at large.
Background of the Coup Allegations
Rumors about the coup surfaced when the government abruptly canceled a planned military parade celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025. Initially cited as a response to security threats, many speculated that this cancellation was linked to the alleged coup plot.
– In January, the military confirmed that 16 officers would face trial before a military court for attempting to oust the president.
– The current case involves civilians and retired military personnel accused of being part of the coup plot.
Timipre Sylva, who served as petroleum minister from 2019 to 2023 and previously as Bayelsa state’s governor from 2007 to 2012, has denied any connections to the plot. His residence was searched by investigators last October, leading to an arrest warrant the following month, issued by the country’s anti-corruption agency. His spokesperson claimed he was in the UK for medical reasons, suggesting political motivations behind the allegations.
Charges Filed
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi filed the charges on Tuesday against the following six defendants:
– Mohammed Ibrahim Gana – a retired major general
– Erasmus Ochegobia – a retired navy captain
– Ahmed Ibrahim – a police inspector
– Zekeri Umoru – an electrician from the Presidential Villa
– Bukar Kashim Goni – a civilian
– Abdulkadir Sani – an Islamic cleric based in Zaria, Kaduna state
The court has scheduled bail hearings for April 27.
Allegations and Defense Concerns
During the proceedings, defense attorneys raised concerns about restricted access to their clients, claiming they had been unable to meet since September 2025, suggesting prior arrests. According to court documents, the defendants allegedly conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the president.
The alleged coup plot is said to be led by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, who, along with other alleged accomplices, is set to stand trial in a military court. Prosecutors assert that the defendants had knowledge of Col. Ma’aji’s treasonable act but failed to notify authorities, including charges of intelligence suppression intended to destabilize the state. Money laundering allegations further complicate the case, suggesting financial transactions related to funding terrorism.
Implications of the Charges
Under Nigerian law, treason carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment. The allegations surrounding the coup attempt have drawn widespread attention, marking one of the most significant coup-related prosecutions in recent Nigerian history.
Since 1999, Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted civilian rule, making this case particularly notable. The initial secrecy and unanswered questions about the alleged plot fueled rampant speculation about military involvement and political vendettas. While the arraignment of these six men has brought the issue to public attention, uncertainty still lingers regarding the potential scale of the conspiracy and whether additional suspects will be charged.
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