FG ARRAIGNS SIX OVER ALLEGED COUP PLOT AGAINST PRESIDENT TINUBU AS COURT ORDERS ACCELERATED TRIAL

FG ARRAIGNS SIX OVER ALLEGED COUP PLOT AGAINST PRESIDENT TINUBU AS COURT ORDERS ACCELERATED TRIAL The Federal Government has arraigned six individuals, including retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, in a high-profile treason and terrorism case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants were docked on 13 counts bordering on treason, terrorism, and related offences, with prosecutors alleging that they conspired to “levy war against the state” in an attempt to remove the President from office. The accused include a retired Major-General, a retired Navy Captain, a serving police inspector, and other individuals linked to the alleged conspiracy. One additional suspect, a former public official, is reportedly still at large.

At the arraignment, all six defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. Following their plea, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the court to order an accelerated hearing of the case and requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The defence teams attempted to move oral bail applications and requested immediate access to their clients, but the presiding judge declined, directing them to file formal applications instead. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the accused remain in DSS custody and adjourned proceedings to April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial and hearing of bail applications.

The court also granted the prosecution’s request for an accelerated hearing, given the national security implications of the case. In a related development, the military authorities have allowed lawyers and family members access to the detained suspects after months of restricted communication, easing concerns over prolonged isolation during investigation. Officials say the access arrangement is part of efforts to ensure due process as the case proceeds through the judicial system. The alleged coup plot has intensified national security discussions, coming at a time of heightened political sensitivity and ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen internal security structures. The case is regarded as one of the most significant treason trials in recent years, underscoring concerns over military dissent, political instability, and national cohesion. Legal analysts say the outcome of the trial could set a major precedent for how alleged coup-related offences are handled under Nigeria’s democratic framework.