Breaking: Court Orders Speedy Trial For Alleged Coup Plot Suspects

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling on Monday, approved a fast-track trial process and scheduled April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of hearing as well as consideration of bail applications. The court also ruled that the trial would begin before any bail requests are addressed.

The defendants 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; as well as Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, a cleric based in Zaria.

They are facing a 13-count charge including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six defendants pleaded not guilty. One of the charges alleges that they conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” with the aim of overthrowing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, informed the court that the prosecution was fully prepared with witnesses ready to testify. However, defence lawyers—Mohammed Ilayepo, Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri—objected, citing the short notice and the complexity of the case.

Despite their objections, the court directed all parties to adhere to the scheduled dates to ensure an expedited trial process. Proceedings were held under heavy security, with journalists reportedly restricted from covering the session as DSS operatives cleared the courtroom before the judge entered.

In a related development, a separate court martial involving 36 serving military officers linked to the alleged plot is set to resume on May 8. The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the officers are being tried under military law in Abuja.

The parallel civilian and military proceedings highlight the scale of the alleged conspiracy, which authorities say involved both serving personnel and civilians. A former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in some charges but is not listed as a defendant and is reportedly at large.

The six accused persons had earlier been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services as investigations continue into the alleged failed coup attempt.