Tension in Abuja Court as Alleged Coup Plot Trial Raises Transparency Concerns Amid DSS Custody Order

Questions are mounting over transparency in a high-profile treason trial in Abuja after six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow the Nigerian government were remanded in Department of State Services (DSS) custody and brought to court under heavy security.

The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has drawn attention not only for the gravity of the charges but also for growing concerns over courtroom openness and public access to proceedings.

On Monday, judiciary correspondents were left uncertain about key developments in the matter, particularly as a bail application filed by the defendants remains pending before the court.

The accused were previously arraigned by the Federal Government last Wednesday, with Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, leading the prosecution team.

All defendants were present in court except former Minister of Petroleum Timiprye Sylva, who authorities say is currently at large. The other defendants include Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), who appeared in a wheelchair, retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

They all pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge that includes allegations of treason, terrorism-related offences, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering tied to terrorism financing.

Following their plea, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and urged the court to fast-track the trial.

Justice Abdulmalik granted the request, ordering accelerated proceedings and directing that the defendants remain in DSS detention pending further hearings. The matter was adjourned to April 27 for continuation of trial.

The Federal Government alleges that the accused conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence it says carries severe penalties under the Criminal Code.

Prosecutors also claim the defendants were aware of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to report it to security authorities.

The case continues to generate public interest amid debates on judicial openness, due process, and national security handling of politically sensitive prosecutions.