Six Nigerians Charged with Treason Over Coup Attempt
Six individuals in Nigeria, including a retired major general and a serving police inspector, have been formally charged with treason for allegedly attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu in a coup plot last year.
The Attorney General filed the charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the nation's capital. The accused are scheduled to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday.
A seventh individual, Timipre Sylva—a former governor and one-time oil minister—was also named in the court documents but remains at large.
Background of the Coup Plot Allegations
Rumors about the coup plot first emerged in October 2025 when the government unexpectedly cancelled a planned military parade commemorating Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary. Officials cited security threats as the reason for the cancellation, but speculation quickly linked the decision to a possible coup attempt.
The military denied any coup-related claims at the time. However, in January, it announced that 16 officers would face trial before a military court for attempting to remove the president from power.
It remains unclear whether the charges filed in the Federal High Court, which include terrorism and money laundering, are separate from or in addition to the military prosecutions.
Details on Timipre Sylva
Timipre Sylva served as petroleum minister from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari and was governor of the southern oil-rich Bayelsa state from 2007 to 2012. After investigators ransacked his house last October, Sylva denied any involvement in a coup plot.
An arrest warrant was issued for Sylva the following month in a separate case initiated by the country's anti-corruption agency. His spokesman stated that Sylva was in the United Kingdom for a medical check-up and described the allegations as politically motivated.
Accused Individuals and Charges
The Attorney General's case names the six defendants who have yet to comment on the allegations. According to the charge sheet, the six "conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe" the president.
The court documents indicate that the coup plot was led by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji, who was arrested alongside other accomplices.
Prosecutors further allege that the defendants had prior knowledge of Colonel Ma'aji's "treasonable act" but failed to notify authorities.
The charges also include suppression of intelligence, with prosecutors asserting that the defendants intended to destabilize the state and withheld information that could have prevented acts of terrorism.
Money laundering allegations constitute a significant part of the case, with accusations that funds were exchanged to finance terrorism.
Legal Context and Political Environment
Under Nigerian law, treason is among the most serious criminal offenses and carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Nigeria has maintained continuous civilian rule since 1999. The armed forces have consistently emphasized their loyalty to civilian authority, often issuing public statements reaffirming their commitment to democracy.
Additional Information
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