Nigeria uncovers details of alleged independence Day coup plot
Six people pleaded not guilty this week to charges of treason and terrorism for an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu last October 1, Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary. The cancelled military parade initially raised suspicions; now court documents reveal a sophisticated conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, a 50-year-old army officer, was the chief strategist.
Former oil minister Timipre Sylva, 67, is named as a key financier but remains at large. Popular Islamic cleric Sani Abdulkadir, initially reported missing, was also indicted; a court ordered his release Monday for human rights violations.
The plotters allegedly procured vehicles to seize strategic sites, involving personnel from all military branches. Sixteen senior officers face court-martial separately.
At Wednesday’s hearing in Abuja, defence lawyers sought bail, but the judge remanded suspects to state security custody.
The trial resumes April 27. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi requested a speedy process given the case’s gravity. Nigeria, under civilian rule since 1999, faces rising economic hardship and regional coup fears.
