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Tag: Coup d’etat

  • DSS Arraigns Man Over Alleged Calls for Military Coup Against Tinubu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a Lagos-based man, Paul Oweleke, before the Federal High Court over allegations that he used social media to incite Nigerians to support a military coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    The suspect was brought before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences, including the transmission of subversive messages through his online platform, “Oweleke TV.”

    Allegations by DSS

    Prosecuting counsel, Michael Bajela, told the court that Oweleke, on or about May 23, 2025, allegedly posted broadcasts calling for the unconstitutional removal of the President and advocating a military takeover similar to what occurred in Burkina Faso.

    He said the messages were capable of inciting public unrest and undermining national security and stability.

    Bajela further alleged that the defendant used his platform to harass and threaten the President, actions which he said placed the Presidency in fear of violence and bodily harm.

    Cybercrime Law Charges

    According to the DSS, the alleged offences violate sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.

    Court Proceedings

    Following his plea, the prosecution requested that the court fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of proceedings.

    However, the defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

    Justice Aluko subsequently adjourned the case until June 16, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded pending further proceedings.

  • Shettima Reveals Alleged Plot to Turn Tinubu Against Him, Shares Details of Early Presidency Tensions

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that some individuals allegedly attempted to create distrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just three months into their administration in 2023.

    He made the disclosure at the public presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, where he reflected on early political tensions within the presidency.

    Alleged plot within early months of government

    Shettima said the individuals, whom he did not name but claimed were from Borno State, allegedly informed President Tinubu that he was planning to assassinate him and take over power.

    He explained that the President personally confronted him after receiving the claims but chose not to believe the allegations after reviewing the situation.

    “Three months into our swearing in, some people told Tinubu I was planning to kill him to take over power,” Shettima said.

    He added that Tinubu called him over the issue and expressed concerns raised by the unnamed individuals.

    Tinubu’s reaction and trust stance

    According to Shettima, the President dismissed the allegations after assessing the claims and finding inconsistencies in the story presented to him.

    He noted that Tinubu referenced their relationship before the election, stressing that trust played a key role in his decision to ignore the reports.

    “Shettima’s clothes” remark also referenced

    Shettima also recounted a separate incident in which the same individuals allegedly tried to discourage Tinubu from associating closely with him.

    He said they told the President to stop wearing clothing associated with him, claiming it carried sinister intentions, an allegation Tinubu also reportedly dismissed.

    “The President said their story did not add up,” Shettima said, adding that Tinubu later wore the outfit again, describing the President as someone who does not believe in superstition.

    Call for unity among Nigerians

    The Vice-President used the platform to urge Nigerians to embrace unity and avoid actions that deepen political or ethnic divisions.

    He emphasised the need for citizens to act as one community rather than allowing misinformation and distrust to shape national relationships.

    The event, which also had former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, and other top political and military figures in attendance, was held in honour of General Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s history.

  • Alleged Coup Plot: Villa Maintenance Staff Says He Was Deceived Into Scheme Against Tinubu

    Zekari Umoru, one of the six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was misled into the incident.

    Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc attached to the Presidential Villa maintenance department, made the claim in a recorded extra-judicial statement played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

    How alleged involvement began

    He said his contact with the accused persons began in May 2025 through Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the presidential clinic and the third defendant in the case.

    According to him, Ibrahim later introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, also known as “Col. Mohammed Ma’aji”, who allegedly presented himself as a businessman seeking help with construction-related jobs.

    Cash transfers and repeated meetings

    Umoru told investigators that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian because bank transfers linked to the dealings carried the name Hassan Mohammed.

    He said he received multiple payments, sometimes in the presence of Ibrahim, and attended meetings where money was also shared among participants.

    He recounted a meeting at a location identified as “Tiger Bar”, where Ma’aji allegedly distributed between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 to those present after social interactions.

    Alleged ₦8.8m cash delivery

    Umoru further claimed that on September 24, 2025, he received a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag containing cash, which he later deposited at a Zenith Bank branch and confirmed to be ₦8.8 million.

    He said another ₦2 million was allegedly handed over the next day, with Ibrahim expected to explain its purpose later.

    Claims of alleged plot discussion

    He told the court that Ibrahim later hinted that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitise the government” with the support of unnamed associates.

    Umoru also alleged there was mention of using an ambulance driver to gain access into the Presidential Villa.

    Denial of coup involvement

    Despite the allegations, Umoru insisted he had no knowledge of any plan to overthrow the government, saying he only became suspicious later.

    He said he confronted Ibrahim after noticing repeated financial transactions and claimed he was misled throughout the process.

    Umoru also apologised to his employers and expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration.

    Case background

    The Federal Government is prosecuting six defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, including Umoru, Ibrahim, and several retired military officers.

    They were arraigned on 13 counts on April 22, 2026.

  • Court Hears Details of Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu as Army Witness Testifies

    An army officer has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how investigators uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, detailing financial links, meetings, and operational plans tied to the suspects.

    Witness reveals origin of investigation

    The witness, identified as “AAA,” said he was part of the investigative team set up after the Chief of Army Staff received intelligence about a planned coup involving Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others.

    He explained that the intelligence report was analysed and confirmed credible before directives were issued to launch a full investigation into the alleged plot.

    According to him, the probe led to the arrest of Col. Ma’aji and the recovery of key items, including a Samsung phone and a jotter containing sensitive information.

    Recovered items expose alleged plans

    The witness told the court that the recovered jotter contained operational details, including names of top government officials and security officers allegedly marked for assassination.

    He added that further forensic analysis of the phone revealed deeper links between the suspects and other individuals standing trial.

    “Inside the jotter, we found plans for political and structural changes after the coup, as well as names of officials to be targeted,” he said.

    Financial trails and transactions uncovered

    The court also heard that investigators traced multiple financial transactions allegedly linked to the coup plot through a company identified as Purple Wave.

    According to the witness, several large sums, including ₦100 million and ₦50 million transfers, were moved across different dates in September and October 2025.

    He stated that although the transactions were labelled for unrelated purposes, investigations suggested they were used to fund the alleged plot.

    “We observed financial trails between some of the defendants and Col. Ma’aji. Monies were paid in pursuit of the coup,” he said.

    Meetings and strategy sessions detailed

    The witness further revealed that meetings were held in locations such as Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel in Abuja, where discussions allegedly centred on regime change.

    He said the plotters mapped out key targets, including military barracks and major roads, and shared roles among themselves ahead of the planned operation.

    “The plotters discussed taking over key infrastructure and even shared appointments for after the coup,” he added.

    Court admits evidence amid objections

    During proceedings, the court admitted several documents, including hotel records and extracts from the recovered phone, despite objections from defence lawyers.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request to shield the identities of certain witnesses, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

    She held that the law permits such measures in cases involving national security and terrorism concerns.

    Charges and next hearing date

    The defendants are facing charges including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence.

    They were arraigned on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge.

    The court has adjourned further hearing in the matter to May 4 and 5 as proceedings continue.

  • Military Arraigns 36 Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu, Holds Closed-Door Trial in Abuja

    The Nigerian Military on Friday inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with proceedings held under tight security in Abuja.

    The trial, convened by the Defence Headquarters, took place at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, where access was restricted and journalists barred despite prior invitations.

    Tight security as trial begins

    Security operatives denied media access to the venue, while mobile phones were also prohibited during the session.

    The accused officers were transported to the location in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at about 8:53 a.m.

    The closed-door proceedings reflect the sensitivity of the case as the military moves to address allegations involving personnel across ranks.

    Full list of officers facing trial

    Those arraigned include:

    Brigadier General MA Sadiq; Colonel MA Ma’aji; Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain; Lieutenant Colonel M Almakura; Lieutenant Colonel P Dangnap; Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah; Lieutenant Colonel AA Hayatu; Lieutenant Colonel SM Gana.

    Others are Wing Commander IU Yusuf; Major MM Jiddah; Major H Yusuf; Major AD Dauda; Major JM Ganaks; Major D Yusuf; Major J Iliyasu; Major MA Usman; Major A Mohammed; Major II Idris.

    Also listed are Squadron Leader SB Adamu; Squadron Leader NG Zuzu; Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi; Captain G Binuga; Captain I Bello; Captain AA Yusuf; Captain IU Zubair; Captain ML Muhammad; Lieutenant SS Felix.

    The remaining personnel include Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim; Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi; Sergeant Alhassan Zakari; Sergeant Sanda Usman; Sergeant Abubakar Ibrahim; Corporal Momoh Audu; Corporal Aliyu Ibrahim; Lance Corporal Sambo Danladi; Lance Corporal Nasiru Yushau.

    Military moves to enforce discipline

    The Defence Headquarters is yet to release full details of the allegations, but the trial is expected to address multiple cases linked to the alleged plot.

    The proceedings underline the military’s position on discipline and constitutional order, as developments continue to unfold in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • FG Files 13-Count Charge Against Sylva, Others Over Alleged Coup Plot

    The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, and six others over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, in a case now before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The charges, bordering on treason, terrorism and money laundering, were filed on Tuesday by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026.

    Who is involved

    Sylva, a former minister under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, is listed as the seventh defendant but is currently at large, with authorities expected to proceed against him in absentia if he fails to appear.

    Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

    They are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Breakdown of charges

    Court documents show that the 13-count charge revolves around allegations of conspiracy, failure to disclose intelligence, terrorism-related activities and financial crimes linked to terrorism financing.

    The key charges include:

    • Conspiracy to wage war against Nigeria in a bid to overawe the President
    • Failure to disclose knowledge of an alleged treason plot to authorities
    • Failure to take steps to prevent the commission of treason
    • Conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism within Nigeria
    • Participation in meetings linked to acts of terrorism
    • Providing support to individuals planning terrorist acts
    • Withholding information that could prevent or expose terrorism activities
    • Retention and handling of funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing
    • Acceptance of large cash payments outside formal financial systems
    • Money laundering through bank accounts linked to alleged unlawful activities

    Financial allegations

    Specific counts detail financial transactions allegedly tied to terrorism financing, including claims that some defendants received millions of naira through bank accounts or cash payments believed to be proceeds of unlawful acts.

    These include ₦50 million allegedly traced to Bukar Kashim Goni, ₦10 million cash reportedly received by Zekeri Umoru, and smaller amounts linked to other defendants.

    Court proceedings

    The Federal Government is prosecuting the case as part of efforts to address threats to national security and uphold Nigeria’s constitutional order.

    The arraignment is expected to mark the beginning of a closely watched legal battle, given the high-profile individuals involved and the gravity of the allegations.

    Wider context

    Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, despite a history of military coups in earlier decades and recent instability in parts of West Africa.

    The case adds to growing concerns about internal security threats, as authorities intensify efforts to prevent actions that could undermine the country’s democratic system.

     

  • FG Moves to Extradite Sylva Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

    The Federal Government has begun moves to extradite former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, over his alleged involvement in a coup plot targeting President Bola Tinubu, as fresh details emerge in the high-profile case.

    Sylva, who is listed as the seventh defendant in the charge, is reportedly on the run and is currently being tried in absentia, raising concerns about his whereabouts and the pace of proceedings.

    Extradition plan underway

    Sources revealed that authorities have enlisted the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to help track and return the former minister to Nigeria, in a bid to ensure he faces prosecution alongside other accused persons.

    The move signals a more aggressive push by the government to bring all defendants before the court, especially those currently outside its immediate reach.

    Six defendants to face trial

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government is set to arraign six other suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the same alleged coup plot, marking the next phase of the legal process.

    The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

    Court proceedings begin

    The suit was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on behalf of the Federal Government, as authorities move to prosecute those linked to the alleged plot.

    All six defendants are expected to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where proceedings are set to commence.

    Sylva still at large

    Despite being named in the charge, Sylva remains at large, with efforts ongoing to secure his return through international cooperation.

    The case has continued to draw attention as one of the most sensitive security-related prosecutions in recent times.

  • FULL LIST: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Buhari’s Former Minister Timipre Sylva, Retired Generals, Police Inspector and Others Over Alleged Coup Plot

    The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector, and several others over their alleged involvement in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

    Defendants listed in court

    The accused persons include Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

    They are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.

    Timipre Sylva, who served under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently said to be at large.

    Allegations of treason and terrorism

    The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

    It alleges offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

    According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

    They were accused of planning to “levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

    Failure to report alleged plot

    The Federal Government also claimed that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to report it to authorities.

    They were further accused of failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence.

    Terrorism financing allegations

    Beyond treason, the defendants are also facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Prosecutors alleged that they conspired to support and facilitate acts of terrorism, with claims that some meetings were held to advance activities capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist planning.

    Money laundering claims

    The charge also includes allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful financial dealings.

    Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of retaining ₦50 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

    Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained ₦2 million, while Zekeri Umoru is accused of handling ₦10 million in cash payments and an additional ₦8.8 million.

    Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of receiving ₦1 million allegedly linked to the scheme.

    All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Context

    Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, with peaceful transitions of power over the years. However, concerns over security, insurgency, and alleged coup-related activities continue to surface in political and security discourse.

  • FG Arraigns Retired General, Others Over Alleged Plot to Oust Tinubu

    The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six suspects over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

    Those charged include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others accused of treason-related offences.

    Charges filed

    According to court documents, the defendants are facing allegations bordering on waging war against Nigeria, treason, and acts linked to terrorism.

    The case marks the latest step in the government’s response to what security authorities earlier described as a planned coup attempt.

    How the plot emerged

    The issue first gained attention in October 2025 following the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.

    While initial reports linked the decision to security concerns, the Defence Headquarters later dismissed claims of any connection to a coup plot.

    Arrests and confirmation

    Days later, reports emerged that several military officers had been arrested over the alleged plan, with others declared at large.

    In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered involvement of some personnel in a plot to overthrow the government.

    The military said those implicated would face appropriate judicial proceedings.

    Family protests and demands

    In March, families of detained officers called on President Tinubu to allow a public trial, raising concerns about transparency.

    The protests continued in April, with relatives storming the National Assembly to demand access to the suspects and a speedy trial.

    What next

    With the case now before the Federal High Court, attention is expected to shift to the trial proceedings as the government moves to prosecute those accused.