Federal Government Files Treason Charges Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu
The Federal Government has formally initiated legal proceedings by filing a 13-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against individuals accused of orchestrating a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration. This development marks a significant escalation in the government's response to allegations that have simmered within security circles for months, bringing the case into the public judicial arena.
Details of the Charges and Accused Individuals
According to court documents, the defendants include a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector, and three other suspects. They are facing prosecution on allegations bordering on treason and acts described by authorities as terrorism-related offences. The charges accuse them of engaging in activities interpreted as an attempt to destabilise the state and wage war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, constituting a severe breach of national security.
Background and Investigation Timeline
The saga began in October 2025 when the federal government abruptly cancelled the military parade scheduled for Nigeria's 65th Independence Day celebrations, initially citing administrative concerns. However, speculation soon emerged linking the cancellation to an alleged coup attempt, though the Defence Headquarters later dismissed such claims, insisting it had no connection to subversive activity.
By late October 2025, reports indicated that about 16 military officers had been arrested in connection with the alleged plot, with two others said to be on the run. In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that an internal investigation had uncovered the involvement of some personnel in what it described as a coup-related scheme. Brigadier General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, stated that thorough investigations were conducted in line with established procedures, leading to these findings.
Families Demand Transparency and Open Trial
In the following months, families of the detained officers voiced their concerns, calling on President Tinubu to ensure that the suspects were tried in open court rather than through internal military proceedings. At a press briefing in Abuja in March 2026, relatives demanded access to the detained officers, expressing worry over their prolonged detention without full disclosure of proceedings.
By April, family members staged a protest at the National Assembly, urging authorities to expedite the trial process and grant them access to their relatives. These actions highlighted growing public scrutiny and calls for accountability in the handling of the case.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
With the filing of the 13-count charge, the case is now expected to proceed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, representing the most formal stage yet in this high-profile saga. Authorities have yet to release full details of the charges, but the case is anticipated to test both Nigeria's criminal justice system and its military disciplinary framework in the months ahead.
This development follows earlier reports, including the arrest of Nollywood filmmaker and actor Amandi in September 2025 alongside several military officers accused of plotting a violent overthrow. The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the government's firm stance against perceived threats to national stability and democratic governance.
