Six former security officials pleaded not guilty in an Abuja federal court to charges alleging they planned a violent plot to topple President Bola Tinubu. Prosecutors have filed 13 counts, including treason, terrorism and terrorism financing; a seventh suspect, a former state governor, remains at large. The judge denied oral bail requests, ordered the defendants remanded to DSS custody and adjourned the case to April 27 after the attorney-general requested a speedy trial.
Six Ex-Security Officials Plead Not Guilty in Alleged Coup Plot; Trial Adjourned to April 27
A security personnel stands guard outside the Federal High Court during the trial of suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the government in Abuja, Nigeria, April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
ABUJA, April 22 (Reuters) — Six former security officials accused of plotting a violent attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government last year pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in a federal court in Abuja. The judge adjourned the matter to April 27.
Prosecutors have filed 13 criminal counts against a retired army major-general and other defendants, including charges of treason, terrorism and terrorism financing. Authorities say a seventh suspect, a former state governor, remains at large.
Arraignment and Court Orders
During arraignment before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik, the defendants entered pleas of not guilty. Attorney-General and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi urged the court to expedite the proceedings because of the gravity of the allegations; the judge agreed and set the next hearing for April 27.
A security personnel stands guard outside the Federal High Court during the trial of suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the government in Abuja, Nigeria, April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
Defense lawyers made oral applications for bail, but Judge Abdulmalik declined the oral requests and instructed counsel to file formal written motions. She ordered that the accused be remanded to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the continuation of the trial.
Why This Case Matters
Officials describe the prosecution as the most significant treason case since President Tinubu took office in 2023. Authorities say the action reflects a broader push to tighten internal security amid economic pressure, a rise in Islamist militant attacks in the north and growing political tensions.
In October, President Tinubu carried out a sudden, wide-ranging overhaul of the military leadership — a move an aide said was intended to strengthen national security.
(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Help us improve.
