By Our Reporter
Six individuals standing trial over an alleged coup plot have pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja, as the court ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The defendants—Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd.), Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd.), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—were arraigned on Wednesday on charges bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, and attempting to wage war against the Nigerian state.
The prosecution, led by Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) alongside Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accused the defendants of plotting to overawe the President and destabilise the government. A former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, was also listed in the charge as being at large.
According to the charge, the accused persons allegedly conspired in 2025 within Abuja to commit acts aimed at undermining national security, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.
Court proceedings, which began in the afternoon, experienced brief delays due to the absence of legal representation for one of the defendants and the need for an interpreter for another who does not understand English. The court later resumed, and all six defendants entered a plea of not guilty.
During the proceedings, one defendant acknowledged awareness of a sum mentioned in the charge but denied any connection to terrorism, while another insisted the money referenced was a personal gift.
Following their pleas, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending trial and urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing.
Defence counsel sought time to file bail applications and requested unhindered access to their clients. While some lawyers raised concerns about past difficulties in meeting with the defendants, the prosecution assured the court that proper procedures exist to facilitate such access.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and directed that they be granted access to their legal representatives. The case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail applications.
Meanwhile, some family members of the defendants, including wives, appealed for their release, citing prolonged detention and the hardship faced by their families since the arrests.