One of the defendants in the alleged coup plot case has arrived at the Federal High Court Abuja in advance of his scheduled arraignment, while five other defendants were yet to be present as proceedings were set to begin on Wednesday.
The individual, identified as Abdulkadir Sani, reportedly arrived early at the court premises. He is understood to be the only defendant in the matter who is not currently in custody, in contrast to the others who remain detained by authorities.
The case follows the filing of a 13-count charge by the Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday. The charges include allegations of terrorism, conspiracy, and failure to disclose information relating to an alleged plan to overthrow the government.
Among those named in the charge are Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, Abdulkadir Sani, and Timipre Sylva, who is reported to be at large.
According to the charge, the prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 in Abuja to carry out acts of terrorism and to “levy war” against the Nigerian state, in contravention of provisions contained in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Criminal Code.
The defendants are further accused of failing to disclose intelligence regarding the alleged plot and of neglecting to take preventive measures despite having knowledge of plans involving other alleged conspirators.
The arraignment is expected to take place before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where the charges will be formally read and the defendants invited to enter their pleas.
As of the time this report was filed, court proceedings had not yet commenced. Security presence around the court complex remained heightened, with officials awaiting the arrival of the remaining defendants.
