Six defendants on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism and conspiracy to stage a coup against the Nigerian state before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants were arraigned in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, with the prosecution team led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Among those charged are Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd.), Capt (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd.), Insp. Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the charge but is currently at large.
The accused persons are facing allegations of conspiracy to commit terrorism and attempting to “levy war” against the Federal Government.
Count one of the charge stated: “That you, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana – (RTD), Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor – (RTD), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (AP776373), Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, Abdulkadir Sani, Timipre Sylva (still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.”
They were also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about the alleged plan and not taking steps to prevent it despite being aware of the purported conspiracy.
Court proceedings began around 1:46pm after the prosecution confirmed the charge was ready for reading. However, delays occurred after one defendant said his lawyer was absent due to illness, while another informed the court that he required an interpreter as he only understands Arabic and Hausa.
The matter was briefly stood down and resumed at about 2:18pm, after which all six defendants entered not guilty pleas.
During the proceedings, one defendant admitted recognising a sum mentioned in the charge but denied any link to terrorism, while another described the money as a gift and also rejected any involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Following the pleas, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and asked for an accelerated hearing of the case.
READ ALSO:
- Jonathan Visits Tinubu At Aso Rock Villa
- Adelabu Resigns As Power Minister To Pursue Oyo Governorship Ambition
- Court Remands Suspects In DSS Custody As They Plead Not Guilty To Alleged Coup Plot
- ‘I Didn’t Lie’ — Blessing CEO Apologises Over Cancer Controversy
- Chelsea Sack Liam Rosenior After Poor Run Of Results
Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ndayako, applied for bail and sought time to formally file the application, while also requesting unrestricted access to his client in custody for proper preparation.
Responding, the prosecution assured the court that defence lawyers would not be denied access, noting that established procedures govern such meetings.
Counsel for the second defendant, Chibuike Okah, who appeared for Henry Chibor, did not oppose the request for accelerated hearing or access to clients. Meanwhile, two lawyers volunteered to represent the third defendant in the absence of his counsel.
Counsel for the fourth defendant, C.D. Okafor, did not oppose the application but complained about previous difficulties in accessing his client, which he said had affected preparation for bail.
Lawyers representing the fifth and sixth defendants, Mohammed Ibrahim and Sanusi Musa, also did not oppose the prosecution’s requests.
The Attorney-General of the Federation said, “What was not said was inherent in what was said by defence counsel. It has never been brought to my notice that they couldn’t meet with their clients,” adding that access procedures must be properly followed.
He urged defence lawyers to give prior notice to facilitate smooth access to their clients.
The prosecution thereafter proposed April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing of the case, directed that the defendants remain in DSS custody, and also ensured they be granted access to their lawyers.
“The case is adjourned to 27th April 2026, for commencement of trial and hearing of bail application,” she ruled.
Meanwhile, emotional scenes played out outside the courtroom as wives of some defendants pleaded for their release, saying they had been detained for six months without access.
The wife of the fourth defendant, Zekeri Umoru, tearfully appealed in a video seen by reporters, saying:
“I have four children. My children have been asking me where their father is. This is six months old. Nigeria, help me save my husband. I am begging you, I’m on my knees.
“The children are asking me where their father is. Help me save my husband. I can’t raise the children by myself. We are suffering. Make una help me save my husband,” she cried.