FG files 13-count treason charges over alleged coup plot

Nigeria’s federal government has filed a 13-count charge against suspected coup plotters accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The case, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja, names several defendants, including a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three other individuals.

Authorities accuse the suspects of waging war against the state and committing offences bordering on treason and terrorism.

How the alleged plot unfolded

The charges stem from a months-long investigation into an alleged coup attempt that first surfaced in October 2025.

At the time, the federal government abruptly cancelled Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade, sparking speculation about security concerns. While the Defence Headquarters initially denied any link between the cancellation and coup reports, developments that followed suggested deeper issues.

Later that month, reports emerged that several military officers had been arrested in connection with a suspected plot, with others declared at large.

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By January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered a plan to overthrow the government, indicating that some personnel within the armed forces were involved.

Families demand transparency

The case has also drawn public attention from the families of the detained officers.

In March, relatives of the suspects appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the accused are tried in open court. They raised concerns about access to the detainees and the lack of transparency surrounding the proceedings.

In April, some family members staged protests at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and clearer information about the allegations.

With formal charges now filed, the case is expected to move into open court proceedings, marking a critical phase in one of Nigeria’s most sensitive national security investigations in recent years.

The outcome could test both the military justice system and the government’s commitment to due process, as scrutiny grows over how the case is handled.