In a dramatic courtroom scene at Nigeria's Federal High Court in Abuja, six individuals—including a retired major general and a serving police inspector—have pleaded not guilty to charges of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The defendants were ordered to remain in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria's domestic intelligence agency, as the case unfolds.
The charges, filed by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, allege the defendants "conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe" the president.
Among those charged are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa; Bukar Kashim Goni, a civilian; and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric from Zaria. A seventh individual, former governor and oil minister Timipre Sylva, has been named as a conspirator but remains at large, according to court documents.
Rumors of the coup plot first emerged in October 2025 when the government abruptly canceled Nigeria's Independence Day military parade, citing security threats. While the military initially denied reports of a plot, it later announced in January that 16 officers would face trial in a military court for attempting to oust the president. The current case involves civilians and retired military personnel accused of treason, terrorism, and money laundering.
During Wednesday's proceedings, defense lawyers raised concerns about restricted access to their clients, claiming they had been unable to meet with them since September 2025—suggesting arrests may have occurred before the Independence Day parade cancellation. The court has scheduled bail hearings for April 27.
Prosecutors allege the plot was led by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji, who was arrested alongside other alleged accomplices and is due to stand trial in a separate military court. The charges include suppressing intelligence, failing to disclose information that could have prevented terrorism, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
Under Nigerian law, treason carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment. This case marks one of the most significant coup-related prosecutions in recent Nigerian history, as the country has maintained unbroken civilian rule since 1999. The trial is being closely watched amid ongoing speculation about the scale of the alleged conspiracy and whether additional suspects will be charged.