Court Orders Remand of Six Suspects in DSS Custody Over Alleged Coup Plot Against President Tinubu

The Federal High Court in Abuja became the focal point of a high-stakes national security matter on Wednesday as the Federal Government formally arraigned six individuals on a comprehensive 13-count charge centered on alleged terrorism.

The 13-count charge was initially filed before the Court in Abuja on Monday, targeting a group that includes retired Major General Mohammed Gana and retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, alongside a serving police inspector and three others.

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also named in the documents but is currently reported to be at large.

The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General, alleged that the defendants conspired throughout 2025 to levy war against the state with the explicit goal of overpowering the presidency.

Beyond the central charge of treason, the group faces heavy accusations under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

The Wednesday proceedings, which underscore the government’s intensified crackdown on insurgent activities, saw the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), personally appearing to lead the prosecution’s effort.

The afternoon session commenced with a brief procedural delay. Concerns regarding fair hearing arose when the third defendant noted his counsel’s absence due to illness, while the sixth defendant required a linguistic bridge, speaking only Arabic and Hausa.

Demonstrating a commitment to judicial transparency, the court was briefly stood down to secure a qualified interpreter, ensuring all accused parties fully understood the gravity of the state’s allegations.

Upon reconvening, the atmosphere grew somber as the charges were read. All six defendants maintained their innocence, entering “not guilty” pleas to every count brought against them.

The specific details of the 13 counts remain sensitive, though they fall under the broad and stringent framework of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism legislation.

Following the pleas, Fagbemi moved for an accelerated hearing, a procedural request intended to fast-track the judicial process in the interest of national security.

While the lead counsel for the first defendant signaled an upcoming battle for bail, the defence teams largely did not oppose the push for an expedited trial.

In his ruling, the presiding judge affirmed the necessity of a swift resolution, officially scheduling the commencement of the trial for April 27, 2026.

Pending the next hearing, the court ordered that all six defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

However, the judge provided a crucial caveat, directing the security agency to ensure the defendants are granted consistent access to their legal representatives to prepare their defense.