Six defendants have pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism and an attempted coup before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The accused—among them retired military officers and other individuals—are facing allegations of conspiring to wage war against the Nigerian state and undermine the government. A former minister, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the charge but is currently listed as at large.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the Attorney-General of the Federation led the prosecution and requested that the charges be read. However, the session faced brief delays after one defendant reported that his lawyer was absent due to illness, and another required an interpreter as he did not understand English. The court stood the matter down briefly before reconvening.
When the hearing resumed, all six defendants entered not guilty pleas. While one acknowledged being aware of a sum of money mentioned in the charges, he denied any connection to terrorism. Another described the money as a personal gift, also rejecting any involvement in unlawful activities.
Following the pleas, the prosecution asked the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and pushed for a speedy trial. Most defence lawyers did not oppose the request, although one indicated plans to file a bail application.
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The trial judge granted the request for accelerated proceedings, ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody, and directed that they be given access to their legal representatives.
The case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail applications.
Emotions ran high in the courtroom, as some family members of the defendants appealed for their release, saying they had not seen their loved ones since their arrest several months ago. One woman, speaking on behalf of her detained husband, expressed concern about raising their children alone and called for help.
