The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated trial for suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the arraignment, during which all defendants pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge that includes treason, terrorism, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, led the prosecution, while the defendants were represented in court, except for former Petroleum Minister Timiprye Sylva, who remains at large. Among those present were retired Major General Ibrahim Gana, who appeared in a wheelchair, retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Sheikh Abdulkadir Sanni, who required a Hausa and Arabic interpreter.
The prosecution alleges the suspects conspired in 2025 to levy war against the state and overthrow the president, an offence under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. They are also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji and others. Additional charges include conspiracy to commit terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and providing indirect support for terrorism. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru allegedly attended meetings to advance a political ideology that could destabilise Nigeria's constitutional order. The court ordered the defendants remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services, with the case adjourned to April 27 for trial.
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