Court remands six suspects in DSS custody over alleged coup plot against Tinubu

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday became the centre of a major national security proceeding as the Federal Government arraigned six individuals on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism and conspiracy against the state.

The charges, filed earlier before the court, were brought against a group that includes retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, a serving police inspector, and three other defendants. Also named in the court documents is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is currently reported to be at large.

The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleged that the defendants conspired throughout 2025 to wage war against the Nigerian state with the objective of undermining the authority of the presidency.

The charges include treason and offences under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

Wednesday’s proceedings drew significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the allegations. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), personally led the prosecution team, signalling the government’s determination to pursue the case vigorously.

READ ALSO: Treason charges over alleged coup plot stir debate on democracy and security

The hearing experienced a brief procedural delay after issues of fair hearing were raised. One of the defendants informed the court that his counsel was absent due to illness, while another defendant required language interpretation services, speaking only Arabic and Hausa.

The court adjourned briefly to secure a qualified interpreter to ensure full comprehension of the proceedings.

When the session resumed, the 13-count charge was read in full to all defendants. Each of the accused persons pleaded “not guilty” to all allegations levelled against them.

Although the detailed contents of the charges were not fully disclosed in open court, they are understood to fall under Nigeria’s stringent counter-terrorism laws and relate to alleged coordinated actions against the state.

Following the arraignment, the Attorney-General urged the court to fast-track the trial, filing an application for accelerated hearing in view of the national security implications of the case. Defence counsel did not strongly oppose the request, although indications emerged that bail applications may be filed in subsequent proceedings.

The case has been adjourned for further hearing, with heightened public interest expected as the legal battle unfolds.