Alleged Coup Plotters Seek Spiritual Support for Overthrow

Six individuals, including Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, are currently on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The Federal Government arraigned them on April 22, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing 13 counts related to treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information.

The other defendants are retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani, all of whom have pleaded not guilty. Investigations revealed that Ma’aji spent millions of naira seeking spiritual support from Islamic clerics as part of his coup preparations.

However, the clerics reported that they attempted to dissuade him from his plans, which he referred to as a “riot” against the government. The alleged coup plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to the arrest of both serving and retired military officers and civilians.