Nigerian authorities have charged six individuals, including a retired general and a serving police officer, with treason over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, according to court filings.
The charges were filed by the Attorney General at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the defendants are scheduled to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday. A seventh suspect, former governor and ex-oil minister Timipre Sylva, was also named but remains at large.
The case stems from allegations first raised in October 2025, when the government abruptly cancelled Nigeria’s Independence Day military parade, citing security threats. The move fuelled speculation of a coup attempt, though the military at the time denied any such plot.
In January, the armed forces announced that 16 officers would face military trial over an alleged attempt to unseat the president, but it remains unclear whether the current civilian court charges are linked to those proceedings.
Those charged include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, and civilians Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe” the president. Prosecutors allege the plot was led by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, who was arrested alongside other suspects.
The filing further claims the accused had prior knowledge of Ma’aji’s alleged “treasonable act” but failed to inform authorities. Additional charges include suppression of intelligence, with prosecutors accusing them of withholding information that could have helped prevent acts of terrorism.
Money laundering allegations also form a key part of the case, with prosecutors claiming funds were exchanged to finance the plot.
The defendants have not yet publicly responded to the accusations.
Treason is among the most serious offences under Nigerian law and can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Nigeria has remained under uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, with the military repeatedly affirming its loyalty to democratic governance.