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Six people, including a retired major general and a serving police inspector, face treason charges for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu last year during Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations.
The suspects are set to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. A seventh accused person, former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva, remains at large according to court documents.
Plot Uncovered During Independence Celebrations
Rumors of the coup attempt first emerged in October 2025 when authorities abruptly cancelled Nigeria’s planned military parade for the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Officials initially cited unspecified security threats, but speculation quickly linked the cancellation to the alleged plot.
The defendants include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three civilians: electrician Zekeri Umoru (who worked at the Presidential Villa), Bukar Kashim Goni, and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani.
Military Leadership and Financial Allegations
According to prosecutors, the plot was allegedly led by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, who was arrested alongside other accomplices. The charge sheet accuses the six defendants of conspiring “to levy war against the state to overawe the president.”
The case includes serious financial allegations, with prosecutors claiming money laundering and terrorism financing were part of the conspiracy. The defendants are also accused of suppressing intelligence and failing to report the treasonable activities to authorities.
Former Minister Denies Involvement
Sylva, who served as petroleum minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has denied any connection to the plot. His house was searched by investigators last October, and a separate arrest warrant was issued for him in November over corruption charges.
His spokesperson claims the former Bayelsa state governor was in the UK for medical treatment and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Wider Military Investigation
The charges come after authorities arrested 16 military officers in early October 2025 over the alleged conspiracy, while two others were declared wanted. Defence Headquarters confirmed in January 2026 that investigations had uncovered evidence of a planned overthrow attempt.
Families of detained officers have staged protests at the National Assembly, demanding speedy trials and better access to the suspects. They called for open court proceedings rather than closed military tribunals in March.
High Stakes for Democracy
Under Nigerian law, treason carries severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment. The charges represent a significant test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions, as the country has maintained unbroken civilian rule since 1999.
Military leadership has repeatedly stressed loyalty to civilian authority throughout the investigation, issuing public statements reaffirming their commitment to democratic governance.
