Alleged Coup Plot: Court Remands Ex-Governor, Military Officers, Others in DSS Custody

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of six defendants, including senior security figures and a former governor, over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The defendants were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering.

Among those named in the charge is Timipre Sylva, who was arraigned in absentia after reportedly leaving the country prior to the exposure of the alleged plot.

Others standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, as well as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

All six defendants present in court pleaded not guilty after the charges were read.

Following their plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who personally led the prosecution, applied for their remand in custody of the Department of State Services.

The court granted the request, ordering that the defendants remain in DSS custody while also directing that they be given access to their legal representatives to prepare their defence.

Justice Abdulmalik further approved accelerated hearing of the case and adjourned proceedings to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

According to the Federal Government, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” with the aim of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

The prosecution also accused them of having prior knowledge of a planned coup involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji but failing to report it to authorities or take steps to prevent it an offence under the Criminal Code.

In addition, they face terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including allegations of participating in meetings linked to acts intended to advance a political ideology capable of undermining national stability.

Financial crimes also feature prominently in the charge. Prosecutors allege that some defendants handled funds tied to terrorism financing, including:

N50 million allegedly retained by one defendant as proceeds of unlawful activity

N10 million cash transaction conducted outside formal financial systems

Additional sums ranging from N1 million to N8.8 million linked to suspected terror financing

All financial counts were filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Proceedings were briefly delayed after one defendant reported absence of legal counsel, while another required interpretation in Hausa and Arabic, prompting the court to stand down the matter before reconvening.

At the resumed sitting, all defendants entered their pleas.

While most defence lawyers did not oppose the request for accelerated hearing, counsel to the first defendant indicated plans to file a bail application.

The case is expected to test serious allegations of national security breaches, with the Federal Government maintaining that the accused persons played roles in a conspiracy aimed at undermining the Nigerian state.