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Alleged coup plot to oust Nigerian president foiled
Nigeria has charged six individuals with treason, terrorism, and money laundering over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu during last year's Independence Day celebrations on 1 October.
Key figures and charges
The accused include civilians, a serving police inspector, and retired military personnel. They face 13 counts, including treason and terrorism financing, but have pleaded not guilty. Court documents identify Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji, a 50-year-old former army officer, as the alleged mastermind.
Ma'aji, born in Niger state, rose through the ranks during the Niger Delta's oil militancy era in the mid-2000s. He is said to have close ties to Timipre Sylva, a former oil minister and Bayelsa state governor, who is named in the charges but remains at large.
Alleged plot details
The plan reportedly involved storming the Aso Rock presidential villa in Abuja, detaining Tinubu and other top officials, and assassinating key leaders, including the president, his deputy Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Investigators claim the conspirators procured vehicles and gathered intelligence through insiders, including Zekeri Umoru, an electrician at the presidential villa. Funds ranging from 2 million naira (£1,000) to 50 million naira (£27,500) were allegedly distributed to civilians for their roles.
Security forces and civilian involvement
Of the 16 military officers initially arrested, 14 were from the army, one from the navy, and one from the air force. The plot allegedly involved multiple army divisions and the Presidential Guard.
Among the civilians charged is Sani Abdulkadir, a prominent Islamic cleric from Kaduna state, who was initially detained over frozen bank accounts before being linked to the coup. Court documents state he received $1,500 for his alleged role as a "spiritual prayer-warrior" for the operation.
Nollywood actor Stanley Amandi, known as "Stan K," was also named in earlier reports as a potential propagandist for the coup but has not appeared in court. His whereabouts remain unconfirmed, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) expressing concerns over his detention.
Government response and trial
The government canceled the 2025 Independence Day parade at the last minute, citing security concerns. Arrests began days before the planned coup, with investigations continuing afterward. The six defendants were remanded into the custody of Nigeria's domestic spy agency, the DSS, and will appear in court on 27 April for bail hearings.
A military tribunal is also set to try over 30 officers behind closed doors, though details remain scarce.
Broader context
Nigeria has been under civilian rule since 1999, but recent coups in West Africa have fueled speculation about instability. Economic hardship and allegations of political elitism have heightened tensions, making this the first serious coup attempt since the return to democracy.
"The few details that have emerged are shocking. Nigerians will be anxious for more information," a legal source told the BBC.
