The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court against six individuals over an alleged plot to overthrow the government and carry out acts of terrorism.
The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Also named in the charge, but currently at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), span allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering tied to terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the accused conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” with the aim of overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
The government further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to notify authorities. They are accused of withholding critical intelligence and neglecting reasonable steps to prevent the alleged acts.
In addition to treason-related counts, the defendants face charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Prosecutors claim they held meetings and supported activities aimed at destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Specific allegations include participation in clandestine meetings to advance a political ideology capable of undermining national stability, as well as providing both direct and indirect support for terrorism.
Financial crime charges also feature prominently. Bukar Goni is accused of retaining N50 million linked to terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly handled N2 million from similar sources. Zekeri Umoru and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim are also accused of receiving and handling funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing outside formal financial systems.
The case marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on alleged threats to national security and is expected to test the government’s resolve to prosecute high-profile security-related offences.
The charges come amid a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot that first surfaced in October 2025. While initial reports were dismissed by the Defence Headquarters, authorities later confirmed arrests of several military officers and acknowledged the existence of a plot to overthrow the government.
Families of detained suspects have since called for transparency, open trials, and access to their relatives, staging protests and appeals to the presidency and National Assembly in recent months.
