The Federal Government on Wednesday began the arraignment of alleged coup plotters before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, led the prosecution.
All the defendants were present in court, except a former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, who was said to be at large.
Proceedings were, however, stood down by the judge to enable the court provide an interpreter for the sixth defendant, Sheikh Abdulkadir Sanni, who, according to his counsel, understands only Hausa and Arabic.
The Federal Government had recently filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against the defendants over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
Sixteen military officers, including a retired major general, a retired naval captain, and a serving police inspector, were arrested on Oct. 31, 2025, over their alleged involvement in plans to oust the government.
