The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged breach of national security.

El-Rufai was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and faced a five-count amended charge. When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

At the hearing, counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He also revealed that the prosecution had filed a new amended five-count charge on April 13, asking the court to replace the earlier three-count charge.

The defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and raised no objection. The court subsequently struck out the initial three-count charge.

Following El-Rufai’s plea, the prosecution requested three consecutive days to begin trial. However, the defence objected, citing logistical challenges. Iyamu told the court that his client was currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which could make access to him difficult during the proposed trial period.

The defence also drew attention to a bail application filed on February 17. Although a supporting affidavit was initially missing from the court file, the issue was resolved after the matter was briefly stood down. The DSS stated it did not oppose the bail request.

Meanwhile, the prosecution applied for an order to protect the identities of two witnesses expected to testify. It requested that their names be concealed in public records and that pseudonyms be used during proceedings, citing security concerns and the potential risk to the witnesses’ families.

The defence opposed the request, arguing that it is the constitutional right of an accused person to know the identity of their accusers. Iyamu maintained that there was no evidence suggesting that El-Rufai posed any threat or had a following capable of endangering witnesses. He warned that granting anonymity could unfairly prejudice the defendant.

In addition, the defence asked the court to compel the prosecution to provide all relevant evidence needed to prepare for trial. The prosecution opposed this request, arguing that the documents sought were not part of the materials filed before the court.

The defence also informed the court of a separate application to quash the charges. Legal arguments followed, with the prosecution contending that such an application cannot be filed after a plea has already been taken. The defence responded on points of law.

Justice Abdulmalik is expected to rule on the various applications and adjourn the case for further proceedings.

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against several individuals, including former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The charges, which border on treason, terrorism, and related offences, were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Rotimi Oyedepo. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on April 22 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Defendants and Allegations

Aside from Sylva, who is reportedly still at large, other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired naval captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” with the aim of destabilising and overawing the presidency. The government further accused them of failing to disclose intelligence related to treasonable activities and engaging in financial transactions linked to terrorism financing.

Specific allegations include the unlawful retention of funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism. Goni is accused of handling N50 million, while Sani allegedly retained N2 million. Umoru is said to have accepted N10 million in cash outside the banking system and kept an additional N8.8 million tied to the alleged scheme. Inspector Ibrahim allegedly received N1 million connected to the same operation. Both Ibrahim and Umoru were also accused of attending meetings linked to terrorist activities.

Background to the Alleged Plot

The case stems from a series of developments beginning in October 2025, when the Federal Government cancelled a planned parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Although speculation linked the cancellation to a coup attempt, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) initially dismissed such claims.

However, later that month, reports emerged of the arrest of at least 16 military officers over an alleged plot to overthrow the government, with additional suspects reportedly at large. In January 2026, the DHQ confirmed that investigations had uncovered a coup conspiracy involving certain military personnel.

Subsequently, families of detained officers called for transparency, urging the government to allow open trials and grant access to the accused. Protests were also staged at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding a speedy judicial process.

Legal Proceedings

The Federal Government maintains that the accused persons not only conspired to commit treason but also failed in their legal duty to report knowledge of such plans to appropriate authorities, including the President or security agencies.

The upcoming arraignment is expected to formally initiate court proceedings in what is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile national security cases in recent times.

The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday sentenced two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

The trial judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, handed down the sentence after the defendants changed their initial not guilty pleas to guilty during the court proceedings.

Huang and Hongxu were arraigned alongside one Friday Audu on a seven-count charge bordering on cyberterrorism, internet fraud, and money laundering involving N3.4 billion and $2.56 million.

The convicts were among 792 suspected fraudsters arrested on December 19, 2024, during a coordinated operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tagged “Eagle Flush Operation.”

According to the prosecution, the syndicate orchestrated cryptocurrency, investment, and romance scams targeting unsuspecting victims. Investigations further revealed that Audu, allegedly acting on Huang’s instruction, incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. to facilitate the fraudulent operations.

The court also heard that the defendants recruited Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals online as part of the scheme to defraud victims.

Following their guilty pleas, the prosecution urged the court to impose the maximum penalty prescribed by law.

In his judgment, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced Huang and Hongxu to a cumulative term of 46 years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a N56 million fine. The court also ordered three days of community service and directed that the convicts be repatriated to China upon completion of their sentences.

Additionally, the court granted the prosecution’s application for the forfeiture of all items recovered during the EFCC investigation to the Federal Government.

The forfeited items include 1,596 mobile phones, 43 computer systems, hundreds of SIM cards, office equipment, generators, vehicles, and other electronic devices seized from four properties located in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, Lagos.

Meanwhile, the trial of the third defendant, Friday Audu, who maintained his not guilty plea, has been adjourned to April 29, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.