Coup suspect arrives court ahead of arraignment

One of the defendants in the alleged coup plot case has arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of his arraignment, while five others were still awaiting as proceedings were set to commence on Wednesday.

The defendant, identified as Abdulkadir Sani, was said to have arrived early at the court premises, reportedly because he is the only one currently not in custody, unlike the other defendants who are being held by authorities.

Recall that the Federal Government on Monday, filed a 13-count charge against the defendants bordering on alleged terrorism, conspiracy, and failure to disclose information relating to a planned attempt to overthrow the government.

Those listed in the charge include a retired Major-General, Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; a retired Navy Captain, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; a police inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim; Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; Abdulkadir Sani; and former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, who is said to be at large.

In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 in Abuja to commit acts of terrorism, and to “levy war” against the Nigerian state, in violation of provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Code.

They were also accused of failing to disclose intelligence about the alleged plot and not taking steps to prevent its execution, despite having knowledge of the plan involving other alleged conspirators.

The defendants are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where the charges will be formally read and their pleas taken.

As of the time of filing this report, court proceedings had yet to begin, with security presence heightened around the court complex while officials awaited the arrival of the remaining defendants.

Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PUNCH with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.