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Nigeria charges six people in alleged Independence Day coup plot Background of the alleged coup case Authorities in Nigeria have filed treason charges against six individuals over an alleged plot linked to the country’s Independence Day events. The case connects to concerns that first appeared in October 2025 when officials suddenly cancelled a planned military parade for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Government officials explained the cancellation as a response to security risks. However, public discussion quickly shifted toward speculation about a possible coup attempt. The military later rejected those claims. In January, it confirmed that 16 officers would face a military trial for allegedly trying to remove the president from power. Federal court expands criminal charges Separate proceedings have now moved to the Federal High Court. Prosecutors have added charges of terrorism and financial crimes alongside treason. It remains unclear whether these new charges run alongside the ongoing military trials or form part of the same investigation. Key individuals named in the case Among those charged is former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva, who also previously served as governor of Bayelsa State. Investigators searched his residence in October, but he has denied any involvement in a coup plan. Another defendant is Abdulkadir Sani, an Islamic cleric. Court documents list all six accused as having conspired to wage war against the state with the aim of overpowering the president. Authorities allege that Col Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji led the attempted plan. He was arrested along with other suspects. Allegations of support and funding Prosecutors claim the accused had prior awareness of Ma’aji’s alleged treason activities but failed to alert security agencies. The charge sheet also accuses them of withholding intelligence that could have prevented serious security threats. Financial crime allegations form a major part of the case. Investigators say funds moved between the accused in ways linked to terrorism financing and efforts to destabilize the government. Case status All six defendants have not publicly responded to the charges. The court proceedings continue as authorities pursue both security related and financial crime allegations.
PoliticsUnited States

Nigeria charges six people in alleged Independence Day coup plot

Background of the alleged coup case Authorities in Nigeria have filed treason…

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