Alleged coup plotters to face 13-count treason charge

The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the federal high court in Abuja against alleged plotters of a coup to oust President Bola Tinubu.

Among the suspects are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector and three others.

The defendants are accused of waging a war against Nigeria and committing acts bordering on treason and terrorism.

THE ALLEGED PLOT

In October 2025, the federal government announced the cancellation of a parade earlier scheduled to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1.

Days later, there were reports that the cancellation of the independence anniversary event was linked to an alleged coup attempt.

However, the DHQ dismissed the reports, insisting that the cancellation had no links to the alleged coup attempt.

It was reported on October 31, 2025, that 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of the month over the alleged coup attempt, while two other officers were on the run.

In January 2026, the defence headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that there was a plot to overthrow Tinubu.

Samaila Uba, the DHQ director of defence information, had said investigations conducted in line with established military procedures found some personnel involved in a coup plot.

Uba had said the officers would be arraigned before relevant military judicial panels.

In March, family members of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot appealed to Tinubu to allow the suspects to be tried in an open court.

During a press conference in Abuja, wives and other family members of the detained officers also requested access to the alleged coup masterminds.

In April, families of the detained military officers protested at the entrance of the national assembly to demand a speedy trial and access to their relatives.(The Cable)