Nigeria coup plot: Six people charged with treason over attempt to overthrow President Tinubu
Allegations of a coup plot first surfaced in October 2025 when an Independence Day parade was cancelled.
www.bbc.comNigeria has just filed treason and terrorism charges against six people over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, according to multiple reports published on April 21, 2026. The accused include a retired major general and a serving police inspector, and a seventh suspect, former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva, is said to be at large.[1][2][3][5]
What’s new
- The charges were filed in Federal High Court in Abuja and are reported to include treason, terrorism, and money laundering-related allegations.[2][7]
- The six accused are reportedly in custody and are expected to appear in court in Abuja.[5][2]
- Authorities say the alleged plot was tied to events in 2025, with suspicion first surfacing after the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day military parade in October 2025.[2]
Background
- Nigerian officials initially denied coup rumors, but later said in January that some military officers would face trial.[2]
- Reports say the 2025 arrests involved 16 military officers, though it is still unclear how the new civilian court charges relate to any military proceedings.[1][2]
- The case appears to be one of the most serious political-military allegations Nigeria has faced recently, with treason carrying severe penalties under Nigerian law.[2]
Main names reported
- Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired major general.[2]
- Victor O. Ochobia, retired captain.[2]
- Ahmed Ibrahim, police inspector.[2]
- Zekeri Umoru, electrician at the Presidential Villa.[2]
- Bukar Kashim Goni, civilian.[2]
- Abdulkadir Sani, Islamic cleric.[2]
If you want, I can also summarize the reporting differences between BBC, AP, and Al Jazeera on this case.