The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The defendants include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three other civilians. According to court filings, they are accused of waging war against Nigeria and engaging in acts bordering on treason and terrorism.

The charges mark a significant development in an investigation that has unfolded over several months, involving both military and civilian suspects.

Concerns about a possible coup attempt first surfaced in October 2025, following the Federal Government’s abrupt cancellation of a planned parade to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Speculation quickly linked the decision to security threats, including a potential coup plot.

However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed such claims at the time, maintaining that the cancellation was unrelated to any attempt to unseat the government.

Later that month, reports indicated that at least 16 military officers had been arrested in connection with the alleged plot, while two others were declared at large. In January 2026, the DHQ formally confirmed the existence of a conspiracy to overthrow the government.