Nigerian authorities have charged six individuals, including a retired senior military officer and a serving police inspector, with treason over an alleged plot to topple President Bola Tinubu.
The case, filed by the Attorney General at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is set to be heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Prosecutors claim the accused were involved in a coordinated plan to destabilise the government during events surrounding Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations last year.
A seventh suspect, Timipre Sylva, has also been named in the charge sheet but is currently on the run, according to court documents.
Speculation about a coup attempt first emerged in October 2025 after the government abruptly cancelled a planned military parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. While officials initially cited security concerns, reports quickly suggested a possible plot against the government.
Although the military publicly dismissed those claims at the time, it later confirmed that several officers were facing internal trial over attempts to undermine the administration.
Those facing treason charges include:
- Mohammed Ibrahim Gana – retired major general
- Erasmus Ochegobia Victor – retired navy captain
- Ahmed Ibrahim – police inspector
- Zekeri Umoru – electrician at the Presidential Villa
- Bukar Kashim Goni – civilian
- Abdulkadir Sani – Islamic cleric
Prosecutors allege the group conspired to “levy war against the state” and intimidate the president. They are also accused of withholding critical intelligence that could have prevented the alleged plot.
In addition to treason, the defendants face charges related to terrorism and money laundering. Authorities claim funds were exchanged to support the planned operation, suggesting a broader network behind the alleged conspiracy.
Court documents indicate that the plot was spearheaded by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, who has already been arrested along with other suspected collaborators.
Former minister Timipre Sylva, who previously served under Muhammadu Buhari, has denied any connection to the alleged coup. His residence was searched by investigators last year, and an arrest warrant was later issued in a separate case.
His representatives have maintained that the accusations are politically motivated, stating that he was abroad for medical reasons at the time.
Under Nigerian law, treason is among the most serious offences and carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Despite the allegations, Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, with the military repeatedly affirming its commitment to democratic governance.
The case has been adjourned for further proceedings, with all eyes now on how the high-profile trial will unfold.