Coup Plot Trial: One Defendant Arrives Early As Others Await Arraignment In High-Profile Case

Sani reportedly showed up at the court premises before the official sitting time, with sources suggesting he was the only defendant not in custody at the moment.

The remaining defendants are currently being held by security authorities and had not yet been brought to court as of the expected start of proceedings.

Recall that the Federal Government on Monday filed a 13-count charge against the defendants, including allegations of terrorism, conspiracy, and failure to report intelligence relating to an alleged attempt to overthrow the government.

Those named in the charge include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, Abdulkadir Sani, and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva, who is said to be at large.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 within Abuja to commit acts of terrorism and “levy war” against the Nigerian state.

They are also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about the alleged plot and not taking steps to prevent it despite having prior knowledge.

The defendants are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the charges will be formally read and their pleas taken.

As of the time of filing this report, proceedings had not yet commenced, with a heavy security presence around the court complex as officials awaited the arrival of the remaining defendants.