Coup plot suspect arrives court ahead of arraignment

One of the seven defendants in the alleged coup plot case arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of his arraignment, while five others were yet to appear as proceedings were set to commence.

The defendant, Abdulkadir Sani, arrived early at the court premises, reportedly because he is the only one among the accused not currently in custody, unlike the others who are being held by authorities.

The Federal Government on Monday filed a 13-count charge against the defendants bordering on alleged terrorism, conspiracy, and failure to disclose information relating to a planned attempt to overthrow the government.

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

The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 in Abuja to commit acts of terrorism and to levy war against the Nigerian state, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code.

They were also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about the alleged plot and not taking steps to prevent its execution despite having prior knowledge of the plan.

The defendants are to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where the charges will be formally read and their pleas taken.

As of the time of filing this report, proceedings had yet to begin, with security presence heightened around the court complex while officials awaited the arrival of the remaining defendants.