Six former security officials charged with plotting a violent overthrow of President Bola Tinubu's government entered pleas of not guilty during an arraignment at a federal court in Abuja on Wednesday. The judge presiding over the session, Joyce Abdulmalik, set the next date in the case for April 27.
Prosecutors have filed 13 criminal charges against a group that includes a retired army major-general. The counts listed against the defendants include treason, terrorism and terrorism financing. A seventh individual named in the case - a former state governor - remains at large.
During the arraignment the six accused denied the charges presented by the prosecution. After the pleas were entered, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi requested an expedited timetable for the proceedings, citing the seriousness of the allegations. Abdulmalik granted the request shortly after the pleas were recorded.
Defence counsel made oral applications for bail during the session, but the judge declined to hear those requests in that form. She instructed defence teams to file formal written motions if they wished the court to consider bail. Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while the trial is pending.
Prosecutors and the court framed the case as one of the most significant treason prosecutions since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023. Officials have linked the proceedings to a broader effort to tighten internal security at a time the government is confronting economic pressures, a rise in Islamist militant attacks in the north, and ongoing political tensions.
The case follows a substantial reshuffle of military leadership in October, when President Tinubu replaced senior commanders in what an aide described as a sweeping shake-up intended to bolster security. No new dates beyond the April 27 adjournment were set at the hearing, and the judge directed parties to prepare written filings on outstanding procedural matters.
Court next steps:
- Suspects to remain in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
- Defence teams to submit written bail applications and other formal motions.
- Trial resumed on April 27 as scheduled by the court.