Court Remands Alleged Coup Plotters in DSS Custody

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, remanded five individuals accused of plotting a coup against the Nigerian government in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The defendants, including former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva and retired military personnel, pleaded not guilty to 13 charges, including treason and terrorism.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, initiated the prosecution, which alleges that the defendants conspired to wage war against the state with the intent to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration. The court has adjourned the case until Monday for a full trial.

The defendants are accused of failing to disclose security intelligence and engaging in money laundering linked to terrorist financing, with specific allegations of retaining substantial sums of money derived from unlawful activities.