April 22, 2026 | Political News | SUNTV Global Channel
The has finally granted lawyers and family members access to individuals detained over an alleged coup plot, following months of restricted communication and mounting public pressure.
Sources confirmed to SUNTV Global Channel that the approval took effect at the detention facility in Abuja, where the suspects have been held since their arrest.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the prolonged incommunicado detention of the suspects and questions surrounding transparency and due process in the handling of the case.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the in Abuja against several defendants accused of involvement in the alleged plot.
Those charged include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , was also named but is reportedly at large.
The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions , includes charges of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” and destabilise the constitutional order of Nigeria. Prosecutors further claim some of the accused had prior knowledge of planned treasonable acts but failed to inform authorities or take preventive measures.
Specific allegations also include participation in meetings linked to terrorist activities and handling funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing, with sums reportedly running into tens of millions of naira.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned before Justice of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The military had earlier faced criticism over plans to try some suspects through military tribunals, a move critics argued could undermine transparency. Families of the detainees had also staged protests at the National Assembly, demanding either their release or a fair and open trial.
Many of the detained officers were arrested in October 2025 over alleged breaches of military regulations, but authorities later expanded the case, claiming the discovery of a broader plot to overthrow the government.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, , had previously disclosed that he was among top officials allegedly targeted in the plot.
“I was also a target… I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was to be shot,” he revealed in an earlier interview.
The decision to allow access to lawyers and families is being seen as a significant shift, potentially easing tensions and addressing concerns over human rights and due process as the high-profile case moves to court.
