The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned five individuals accused of allegedly masterminding a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration through a coup attempt.
The suspects were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security information, and alleged money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
Following their plea, the court ordered that they be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The ruling followed an application by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who personally led the prosecution.
The case was adjourned to Monday for the commencement of full hearing.
Defence counsel, led by Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, urged the court to direct the DSS to allow them access to their clients, stating that such access was necessary to prepare an adequate defence, as the defendants have remained in detention since their arrest.
Among those arraigned is former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is currently listed as being at large and was arraigned in absentia.
Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others—Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in September 2025 to destabilise the state and “levy war” against the government, an offence said to be punishable under the Criminal Code. They are also accused of failing to report an alleged treasonable plot involving a serving military officer.
The Federal Government further alleged that the accused persons participated in meetings and activities linked to terrorism, supported terrorist acts, and handled funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
Specific financial allegations include claims that millions of naira were received or retained by some of the defendants through bank accounts or cash transactions without proper financial channels, which prosecutors say are linked to unlawful activities.
The charges are said to have been filed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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