Six individuals standing trial over an alleged coup plot and terrorism-related offences have pleaded not guilty before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants—Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are facing a 13-count charge that includes conspiracy, terrorism, and attempts to wage war against the Nigerian state. A former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the charge but is reportedly at large.
The prosecution team, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, told the court that the defendants were involved in a plot in 2025 aimed at undermining the authority of the Nigerian government.
Court proceedings experienced brief delays due to the absence of one defence counsel and the need to provide an interpreter for a defendant who does not understand English. However, the trial continued, and all six accused persons entered not guilty pleas after the charges were read.
During the session, some defendants acknowledged certain financial transactions mentioned in the charges but denied any connection to terrorism, describing the funds as personal gifts.
Following the pleas, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services and asked for a speedy trial. Defence lawyers applied for bail and sought time to prepare their applications, while also requesting adequate access to their clients.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the prosecution’s request for accelerated proceedings, ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody, and directed that they be allowed access to their legal representatives.
The case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail applications.
Meanwhile, some family members of the accused, including wives of the defendants, appealed for their release, expressing hardship and concern over their prolonged detention, which they said had lasted about six months.
