Nigeria Files Treason Charges Against Six for Alleged Coup Plot

Tue Apr 21 2026 15:41:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Authorities in Nigeria have charged six individuals, including a retired major general and a police inspector, with treason for an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu. The case raises concerns regarding political stability in the nation.

In a significant legal development, six individuals have been charged with treason in Nigeria, accused of conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The charges include terrorism and money laundering, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing situation linked to last year’s Independence Day coup plot. The Attorney General submitted these charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, noting that one of the accused remains at large. This situation follows heightened tensions in the country concerning military loyalty and governance.

Nigeria Files Treason Charges Against Six for Alleged Coup Plot

Authorities in Nigeria have charged six individuals, including a retired major general and a police inspector, with treason for an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu. The case raises concerns regarding political stability in the nation.

The charges were filed by the Attorney General at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the defendants are due to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday. A seventh individual, former governor Timipre Sylva, has also been named but is reported to be at large.

Rumors of a coup plot initially emerged in October 2025 when the government abruptly canceled a planned military parade for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, citing security threats. However, this cancellation quickly led to speculation regarding a possible coup.

In January, military authorities revealed they would try 16 officers in a military court for attempting to oust the president. The scope of the recent charges filed in the Federal High Court, which also include terrorism and money laundering, remains unclear regarding their relation to the military prosecutions.

The individuals charged include:

Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major general
Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired navy captain
Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector
Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the Presidential Villa
Bukar Kashim Goni, a civilian
Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric

According to the charges, the defendants conspired to levy war against the state to overawe the president. The allegations imply that Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji led the coup plot and that those charged had prior knowledge of the treasonable act but failed to inform the appropriate authorities.

The case also highlights issues of money laundering, as prosecutors allege financial transactions related to terrorism financing. Under Nigerian law, treason carries severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment.

Nigeria has enjoyed a period of civilian rule since 1999, with the military often reaffirming its loyalty to civilian governance. The current situation poses critical questions about the future of political stability in the country.