Coup Plot Trial: Retired General and Others Deny “War Against State” Charges
By: Abudu Olalekan
One retired Major General and five others showed up at a courtroom in Abuja, accused of planning to overthrow the government.
Heavy air filled the courtroom in Abuja midweek when six individuals appeared before a federal judge under grave accusations. Not just minor charges – these involve claims of terror activities, along with whispers of trying to bring down the state itself.
Retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana and retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor stood in court today. Despite the serious accusations, each one denied every part of the 13 charges filed. The state claims a secret plan began years ago – back in 2025 – aimed at challenging Nigeria’s authority. Former Minister Timipre Sylva also played a role, though he has not been seen since. Officials say their purpose was clear: force change by pressuring the head of state. Yet none admitted fault when asked. A quiet tension filled the room as statements were recorded. While details remain sparse, the case now moves forward under close watch. What happens next depends on evidence yet to be shared. For now, all involved wait while legal steps unfold slowly. One thing stands certain – the nation is paying attention.
Standing nearby, Reportersroom watched when Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney-General of the Federation, stepped forward to handle the case himself. Without doubt, this move shows how strongly officials are responding.
Out of nowhere, the courtroom drama began at 1:46 pm. Right away, one problem surfaced – the third defendant noticed his attorney had not shown up. Instead of waiting, he explained to the bench that his lawyer was unwell. Normally such news would freeze proceedings dead. Yet today, the judge decided the man could still enter his response on record.
A fresh hurdle appeared just then. Not one bit of English comes naturally to the sixth person accused. Arabic and Hausa fill his ears, nothing else. A pause followed, because someone who could bridge the words needed finding.
Back at work by 2:18 pm, the courtroom heard each charge called aloud. Not one person pleaded guilty. A sum of cash came up – someone nodded, saying he knew about that amount – but claimed it was only a present. He made clear there had been no terror act. The others stayed silent on details.
Waiting behind bars. Prosecutors moved carefully, seeking continued detention under DSS watch until court proceedings begin. Defense teams argued for release on bond – unsuccessful so far. For the moment, Judge Joyce Abdulmalik ruled they remain held by state agents. Time drags without a courtroom date.
April 27, 2026 marks when things finally begin. While the AGF said defense teams could meet their clients, reaching them hasn’t been smooth. A few attorneys mentioned trouble entering the DSS building at all.
Outside the courtroom, while attorneys debated statutes and accusations of waging conflict, something quieter unfolded. Wives of the accused sat inside, their faces heavy. Legal terms filled the air, yet emotion settled deeper than any ruling could reach. Their husbands stood charged, but it was the women who seemed on trial by sorrow. One held a photo, another twisted a ring. Arguments echoed under high ceilings, though silence spoke louder among them.
Half a year passed since those men vanished without trace. Tears ran down Mrs. Zekeri Umoru’s face in a clip circulating online, her voice breaking as she pleaded into the camera. Four children wait inside their house, questions about their dad never stopping. Time drags while they wonder, each day stretching longer than the last.
“I can’t raise these children by myself,” she sobbed. “Nigeria, help me save my husband. Make una help me.”
A tangle of problems sits here. One part holds serious claims about an attempted takeover. The opposite side shows households missing those who bring in money, for six long months. Right now, the accused stay locked up. Everyone else watches the calendar, counting days till April reveals whether proof exists.
