A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of several individuals accused of plotting a coup against the Nigerian government, following their arraignment on multiple charges bordering on treason and terrorism.
The defendants, numbering six and including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, were formally arraigned by the Federal Government on a 13-count charge. The charges reportedly include treason, terrorism, and alleged attempts to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
During proceedings, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Following their plea, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ordered that they be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the determination of their bail applications.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the court to expedite the trial in view of the gravity of the allegations. The court subsequently fixed April 27 for the commencement of trial and directed that formal bail applications be filed by defence counsel.
Authorities allege that the defendants conspired to “levy war against the state” as part of efforts to unlawfully change the government, claims which the accused have firmly denied.
The case is considered one of the most significant treason trials in recent years, coming amid heightened security concerns and a broader regional pattern of political instability in parts of West Africa.
Further proceedings are expected to clarify the strength of the prosecution’s case as well as the court’s position on bail for the accused.