Six men have pleaded not guilty to charges of treason and terrorism linked to an alleged failed coup attempt in Nigeria, marking the first prosecutions connected to the suspected 2025 plot.
The Nigerian government had initially dismissed reports of a coup attempt but later announced in January that it had disrupted a plan to overthrow the administration. If carried out, the plot could have ended more than 25 years of democratic rule in Africa’s most populous nation.
The six defendants—civilians including a retired major general—appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. Separate proceedings against military officers are expected but have not yet begun.
During their first court appearance, all six entered not guilty pleas, according to local media reports. The case has been adjourned until April 27.
Journalists, including international outlets, faced restricted access to the courtroom, continuing a pattern of limited media entry at the Federal High Court. Both prosecution and defense lawyers declined to comment outside the proceedings.
Emotions ran high among families of the accused. One woman, identified as Tina Umoru, said she had been unable to reach her detained husband, adding that their children were asking for him.
Those charged include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Court documents allege they conspired to wage war against the state and intimidate the president.
They are also accused of failing to report plans by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji identified in earlier reports as the alleged mastermind and of supporting acts of terrorism connected to the plot.
The documents further mention an individual named “Timpre Sylva,” believed to refer to former oil minister Timipre Sylva, who has previously denied any involvement.
