The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the identities of several military personnel, a police officer, and civilians allegedly involved in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among those listed is former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large. The disclosure is contained in a 13-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, filed on Tuesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Other defendants named in the charge include Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to levy war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the aim of forcefully removing the President from office. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
The accused persons are scheduled to be arraigned on April 22 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
In addition to treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to wage war against the state and had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to notify authorities or take steps to prevent it.
Further counts accuse some of the defendants of participating in meetings connected to terrorist activities, providing support to facilitate such acts, and withholding critical intelligence that could have prevented or led to the apprehension of those involved.
The charge also details alleged financial transactions linked to terrorism financing. Abdulkadir Sani is accused of retaining N2 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly held N50 million in similar circumstances. Zekeri Umoru is accused of receiving N10 million in cash outside the formal banking system and retaining an additional N8.8 million linked to the alleged scheme.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim is also accused of directly receiving N1 million believed to be connected to the plot.
The Federal Government maintains that the actions of the defendants were aimed at destabilizing the constitutional structure of the country and pose a serious threat to national security.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as proceedings commence at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
