High-Stakes Trial: Former Security Officials Face Charges in Nigeria

Nigeria has filed 13 criminal charges against six former security officials. Court documents on Tuesday reveal accusations of a plan to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government last year.

Among the accused is a retired army major-general, with others facing charges of treason, terrorism, and terrorism financing. A former state governor remains at large. The case was initiated on Monday by Attorney-General and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi at a federal court in Abuja. Arraignment is set for Wednesday.

This case represents the most significant treason prosecution since Tinubu took office in 2023, reflecting efforts to strengthen internal security amid economic strains, northern Islamist insurgency, and political frictions. In a related move, President Tinubu executed a military leadership shake-up in October.