FG Arraigns Alleged Coup Plotters on 13-Count Treason Charge in Abuja

The Federal Government has formally arraigned six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, filing a 13-count charge bordering on treason before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Those standing trial include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector and three other suspects. Prosecutors accuse them of waging war against Nigeria and engaging in acts linked to terrorism and other treasonable offences.

The arraignment marks a major step in a case that has drawn national attention since late 2025, when reports of a possible coup attempt first emerged.

The controversy began in October 2025 after the sudden cancellation of activities lined up to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. While speculation mounted that the move was tied to security concerns, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied any connection between the cancellation and a coup plot.

Despite the denial, reports soon surfaced indicating that several military officers had been detained over alleged involvement in a conspiracy against the government. By the end of that month, it was widely reported that about 16 officers had been arrested, with a few others declared at large.

The matter took a clearer shape in January 2026 when the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered a plot to unseat the government.

At the time, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said findings from internal military investigations pointed to the involvement of certain personnel, adding that appropriate legal steps would be taken against those implicated.

The development, however, sparked concerns among families of the detained officers and civil rights advocates, who questioned the secrecy surrounding the process and called for transparency.

In March, relatives of the suspects appealed to President Tinubu to allow the accused to face trial in an open court rather than through closed military proceedings. They argued that a public trial would ensure fairness and help clarify the allegations.

The families also demanded access to the detained officers, expressing worry over their prolonged detention without formal charges at the time.

Tensions escalated further in April when the families staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly of Nigeria in Abuja. The demonstrators called for a speedy trial and improved access to their relatives, insisting that justice must not only be done but seen to be done.

With the case now before a civilian court, legal observers say the proceedings could address some of the concerns raised about due process and transparency.

The charges brought against the suspects are among the most serious under Nigerian law, with treason and related offences carrying severe penalties upon conviction.

Analysts note that the trial is likely to attract significant public interest, not only because of the status of the accused but also due to its implications for national security and democratic governance.

The Federal Government has yet to publicly disclose detailed evidence supporting the charges, but officials maintain that the prosecution is based on thorough investigations by security agencies.

As the case unfolds, attention will be focused on how the judicial process handles the allegations and whether it meets expectations of fairness, openness and adherence to the rule of law.

The outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for civil-military relations and public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions, particularly at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gathering momentum.