Six men accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Bola Tinubu have pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge of treason and related offences, as a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and fixed an accelerated trial. The defendants -
retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani - were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. All six denied the charges when they were read in court.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, accused the defendants of conspiring in 2025 to “levy war” against the Nigerian state in a bid to overthrow thepresident; an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. According to the charge sheet, the accused persons allegedly: conspired to overthrow the federal government; failed to disclose prior knowledge of a planned coup; engaged in activities linked to terrorism financing and money laundering. The case also names Timipre Sylva as a co-defendant who is currently “at large.”
Following the not-guilty pleas, the prosecution requested an accelerated hearing; an application the court granted. Justice Abdulmalik then ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody, rejected oral bail applications from defence lawyers, directed that formal bail motions be filed and
adjourned proceedings to April 27 for trial commencement. The judge also ruled that defence counsel must be granted access to their clients to prepare adequately. The arraignment marks the first time the defendants have appeared in court since their arrest. Defence lawyers told the court that the accused
had previously been held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), where they allegedly had no access to legal representation or family members. One defence counsel, however, acknowledged improved conditions since their transfer to DSS custody, describing the agency as “civil” in its handling of
detainees. Notably, the first defendant, Major General Gana, appeared in court in a wheelchair—an image that underscored concerns about the conditions of detention.
A high-stakes national security case
Treason charges are among the most serious offences under Nigerian law, often carrying severe penalties upon conviction. The allegations, spanning military figures, security personnel, and civilians, point to what prosecutors describe as a coordinated effort to undermine the state. The inclusion of a
former state governor as a fugitive defendant adds further political weight to the case. While details of the alleged plot remain limited in open court, the government’s push for an expedited trial suggests an intention to resolve the matter swiftly amid heightened sensitivity around national security.
With the trial set to begin within days, attention will focus on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the defense’s challenge to the legality of detention and investigation, and whether additional arrests or charges emerge. For now, the defendants remain in DSS custody as Nigeria watches
closely—aware that cases of this magnitude often carry implications far beyond the courtroom, touching on civil liberties, security policy, and political stability.
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