Six individuals in Nigeria, including a retired major general and an active police inspector, have been charged with treason over an alleged attempt to topple President Bola Tinubu in a failed coup last year.
The charges were brought by the Attorney General at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the accused are expected to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. A seventh suspect, former Bayelsa State governor and ex-petroleum minister Timipre Sylva, has also been named but remains at large.
Speculation about a coup attempt first emerged in October 2025 after the government abruptly cancelled a military parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, citing security concerns. While authorities initially dismissed links to a coup, the military later confirmed that 16 officers would face trial in a separate military proceeding over the alleged plot.
It remains unclear whether the civilian charges are connected to the military trials. Sylva has previously denied any involvement, describing the allegations as politically motivated.
Those charged include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Prosecutors allege they conspired to wage war against the state and had prior knowledge of the plot led by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji but failed to report it.
The case also involves accusations of terrorism financing, suppression of intelligence, and money laundering, with claims that funds were exchanged to support the alleged operation.
Treason remains one of the gravest offences under Nigerian law, carrying penalties that may include life imprisonment. Despite the allegations, Nigeria’s military leadership has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999.
Source: citinews
