FG Files 13-Count Charge Against Alleged Coup Plotters

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge of treasonable felony against military officers and civilians accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.

The charge, filed at the Federal High Court Abuja by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, follows months of investigation into a clandestine network allegedly coordinated by senior officers. The Defence Headquarters had earlier announced the arrest of *16 officers in October 2025* for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”

An interim military report later indicated the group had carried out covert surveillance of key national assets including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports. The alleged coup was reportedly planned for *October 25, 2025*, targeting President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. 

The Accused

Those named in the investigation include Brig Gen M A Sadiq, Col M A Maaji, Lt Col S Bappah, Lt Col A A Hayatu, Lt Col P Dangnap, Lt Col M Almakura, Maj A J Ibrahim, Maj M M Jiddah, Maj M A Usman, Maj D Yusuf, Capt I Bello, Capt A A Yusuf, Lt S S Felix, Lt Cdr D B Abdullahi, Sqn. Ldr S B Adamu and Maj I Dauda. 

Security sources say up to *40 suspects.

have been identified in total, including 13 people picked up by the State Security Service — two military personnel, one policeman, and 10 civilians — linked to reconnaissance, funding, and propaganda. 

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana had argued that civilians cannot be tried by court martial and that treason cases must go before the Federal High Court under Section 251(2) of the 1999 Constitution. The Attorney-General has now taken over the case file, filing treasonable felony charges rather than allowing a military tribunal.

Families of the detained officers have demanded open trial and access to their relatives, saying the suspects have been held for over 160 days without contact. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the accused would receive fair trials with access to counsel of their choice.

If convicted of treasonable felony under Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act, the offense carries life imprisonment. 

The Federal High Court is expected to set a date for arraignment this week.