Nigeria charges six people with treason over Independence Day coup plot

Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja has charged six individuals, including a retired major general and a current police inspector, with treason for their alleged role in a coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu in 2025. The defendants are scheduled to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday. A seventh suspect, former governor and oil minister Timipre Sylva, was also named but remains missing.

The conspiracy to topple the government was first hinted at in October 2025, following the sudden cancellation of a military parade to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day. Officials cited security concerns as the reason, though many speculated the event’s suspension was tied to a potential coup. The military initially dismissed these claims but later revealed plans to prosecute 16 officers in a separate military tribunal for similar actions.

Prosecutors allege the accused worked together to wage war against the state to intimidate the administration. The charge sheet states they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe” the president, with Col Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji identified as the plot’s leader. Other accomplices were arrested alongside him.

“Conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe” the president.

The case also includes accusations of terrorism and money laundering, with authorities claiming the defendants suppressed intelligence to destabilize the country. They are said to have withheld information that could have prevented terrorist activities. Funds linked to the coup are alleged to have been used for financing extremism.

Under Nigerian law, treason is a grave offense, potentially leading to life imprisonment. The nation has maintained civilian governance since 1999, with the military consistently affirming its support for democratic institutions. For further updates, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow BBC Africa on Twitter @BBCAfrica, Facebook, or Instagram bbcafrica.