Court Orders Detention of Suspected Coup Plotters in Nigeria
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of several individuals suspected of plotting a coup. The ruling, delivered by Judge Joyce Abdulmalik, mandates that the accused be held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while expediting the proceedings against them.
Defendants Granted Access to Legal Counsel
Judge Abdulmalik has directed the DSS to ensure that the defendants can meet with their legal representatives and family members within a reasonable timeframe. The trial is set to resume on April 27, when the court will hear the bail applications from the accused.
Charges Filed by the Federal Government
This legal action follows the arraignment of six defendants by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Federal Government. A total of 13 charges were filed against the suspects under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026.
Key Individuals Involved in the Case
The suspects include retired Major General Mohamed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegovia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeli Umoru, Bukal Qasim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, who are collectively designated as the first through sixth defendants. Notably, former Minister of Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva has not been named in the charges but is reportedly at large.
Allegations of Treason and Terrorism
The defendants face serious accusations, including treason and terrorism, revolving around allegations of conspiracy to undermine the Nigerian state in 2025. They have been accused of planning to wage war against the state, intending to intimidate the President of Nigeria. Such offenses carry severe penalties under Article 37(2) of the Penal Code.
Legal Representation and Court Proceedings
During the proceedings, all attorneys representing the defendants attended court except for the lawyer of the third defendant, who was not present. Judge Abdulmalik insisted the case proceed in the absence of that lawyer, recognizing the urgency of the arraignment.
Fagbemi, appearing with a team of federal lawyers, expressed readiness for the indictment to be read to the accused. Each defendant entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Consequently, Fagbemi requested the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody and prioritize the case’s hearing.
Bail Applications and Legal Rights
In a further development, the first defendant’s attorney informed the court about a pending bail application submitted earlier that day, requesting prompt hearing dates. While engaged in discussions, defendants’ lawyers expressed satisfaction with the AGF’s commitment to allowing legal access to their clients. Most attorneys reported limited access until a recent transfer to the DSS, although one attorney noted he had been able to meet his client without issue.
The AGF assured the legal representatives of their rights to interact with their clients, reinforcing the importance of following proper procedures when meeting defendants at detention facilities. With all parties agreeing on the necessity for an expedited hearing, the stage is set for significant developments in this high-profile case.
