The Federal Government has initiated a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering against several individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The case, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, lists prominent figures among the defendants, including former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large. Others named include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and civilians Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
According to the charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo, the defendants allegedly conspired to wage war against the Nigerian state in a bid to destabilise the government.
Prosecutors claim the accused had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving other individuals, including a military officer, but failed to report it to authorities. They were also accused of neglecting to take steps to prevent the alleged plot, thereby violating provisions of the Criminal Code.
In addition, the defendants face terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The government alleges that some of them attended meetings linked to activities aimed at undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Financial crimes also feature prominently in the case. Authorities claim that funds linked to terrorism financing were handled by some defendants. Specifically, Goni allegedly retained N50 million, while Sani held N2 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Umoru was accused of accepting N10 million in cash outside formal banking channels and retaining an additional N8.8 million. Inspector Ibrahim was also linked to N1 million tied to the alleged scheme.
The defendants are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The case follows earlier speculation about a coup plot in late 2025, which led to heightened security concerns nationwide. Meanwhile, Sylva has previously denied any involvement, describing the allegations as politically motivated.
