From Victor Osula, Abuja
Six individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu were on Wednesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge, prompting the court to order their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, gave the remand order after the charges were read to the defendants in court.
The Federal Government had filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against seven individuals, including former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva (who is reportedly at large), over an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, accuse the defendants of conspiring in 2025 to “levy war against the state” in a bid to overthrow the President. Court documents allege that the accused were part of a broader network involving both military and civilian actors.
Additional counts include terrorism-related offences, failure to disclose intelligence, and alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
The charge sheet also details an alleged financial trail linked to the plot. Prosecutors claim that Bukar Kashim Goni retained N50 million connected to terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly held N2 million from similar sources.
Zekeri Umoru is accused of receiving ₦10 million in cash outside the formal banking system and retaining an additional ₦ 8.8 million, while Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly possessed ₦ 1 million tied to the scheme.
Taking their plea on Wednesday, six suspects including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru, an electrician attached to the Presidential Villa; Bukar Kashim Goni; and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani, all denied the allegations.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), led the prosecution team, outlining accusations bordering on conspiracy and attempts to unlawfully overthrow the democratically elected government.
However, proceedings were marked by strong concerns from defence counsel over alleged violations of the defendants’ fundamental rights, particularly prolonged detention and lack of access to legal representation.
Counsel to the first defendant, Muhammed Ndayako (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
He requested time to move the application and urged the court to direct security agencies to grant lawyers access to their clients.
Ndayako told the court he had been unable to meet with his client since September 2025, a claim echoed by other defence lawyers, who said they were either denied access or only informed of the arraignment shortly before proceedings began.
One of the lawyers disclosed that he was served with the charge sheet on the morning of the arraignment after being contacted by the defendant’s spouse, raising concerns about adequate time to prepare a defence.
Responding, the Attorney General said he was not aware that the defendants’ lawyers had been denied access, assuring the court that such issues would be addressed going forward, provided formal requests are made.
The defendants were initially held in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), but the prosecution applied for their transfer to the Department of State Services (DSS), a request granted by the court.
In a move to ensure fair hearing, the court provided a Hausa language interpreter for two of the defendants who indicated difficulty understanding English.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter for the hearing of bail applications and further proceedings.
