The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged plot to overthrow the President, as families of detained officers demanded justice and transparency.
The defendants — retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani — were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Also named in the 13-count charge but said to be at large is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, include conspiracy, attempt to commit treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, financing terrorism, and money laundering.
The arraignment follows widening investigations into an alleged coup plot within military and security circles.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Allegations and charges
The government further alleged that the defendants failed to report knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others.
“They… did not give information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President… or a Peace Officer,” the charge stated.
They were also accused of failing to prevent the alleged offence and of indirectly supporting acts of terrorism.
Inspector Ibrahim and Mr Umoru were specifically accused of attending meetings “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Financial allegations were also detailed, with Mr Sani accused of receiving N2m, Mr Goni allegedly retaining N50m, Mr Umoru receiving N10m and retaining N8.8m, and Inspector Ibrahim allegedly receiving N1m linked to the plot.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Alleged coup probe
In October 2025, the Federal Government cancelled Independence Day celebrations, a move later linked in reports to the alleged plot, although the Defence Headquarters denied any connection.
Authorities later confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers, while two others were declared wanted.
In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters said an internal probe had uncovered a plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, adding that suspects would face military disciplinary panels.
Court martial proceedings
A military court martial has been set up to try serving personnel allegedly implicated in the case.
Those reportedly detained include Brigadier General M. A. Sadiq; Colonel M. A. Ma’aji; Lieutenant Colonels S. Bappah, A. A. Hayatu, P. Dangnap, and M. Almakura; Majors A. J. Ibrahim, M. M. Jiddah, M. A. Usman, D. Yusuf, and I. Dauda; Captains I. Bello and A. A. Yusuf; Lieutenant S. S. Felix; Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi; and Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu.
Sources said the panel would be constituted to commence proceedings, while detained officers have now been granted access to their lawyers for the first time since their arrest.
Wives demand fairness
Families of detained officers have continued protests, demanding transparency and speedy trial.
A campaigner, Mrs Nana Usman, wife of Lt Col Sadiq Mohammed, expressed concern over the process.
“Our husbands are not among those being taken to the Federal High Court… those are retired military men and top police officers,” she said.
“We just hope the judgment will be fair… I am also surprised to see them grant the lawyers access… seven months after their arrest.”
She added that earlier, families and legal representatives were denied access to the detainees.
Public protests
Relatives, including children of detained officers, recently staged a protest at the National Assembly, carrying placards such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies” and “Detention Without Trial is Injustice.”
Another spouse, Mrs Shafa’atu Ali Agbo, said, “I find this whole coup allegation very surprising… He does not want anything that would dent his reputation or his family values.”
Legal implications
Senior lawyers have warned that the defendants could face severe penalties if convicted.
Mr Mike Ahamba said treason-related offences attract the harshest punishments.
“Every treasonable trial case could carry a death sentence or life imprisonment… depending on the facts,” he said.
Mr Bankole Akomolafe added, “It is a death sentence (if found guilty)… although the judge may… commute it to a life sentence.”
Other legal practitioners, including Messrs Sam Erugo, Olu Daramola, and Aare Isiaka Olagunju, also noted that treason remains a capital offence under Nigerian law, though defendants retain the right to appeal up to the Supreme Court.
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