The Federal Government has filed a 13-count criminal charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals over an alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian government and commit acts of terrorism.
Those named in the charge include retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, and serving Inspector of Police Ahmed Ibrahim. Others are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also listed in the charge but is said to be at large.
The defendants are expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges offences including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to report or prevent acts of national security threats.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly conspired in 2025 “to wage war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the aim of overpowering the President.”
The government further alleged that some of the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act but failed to report it to security authorities.
It stated that the accused “having knowledge of an intended treasonable offence, did not promptly report same to the President or any peace officer.”
They were also accused of failing to take steps to prevent the alleged offence from occurring.
Beyond treason-related allegations, the defendants are also facing charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The prosecution claims they “conspired to commit acts of terrorism” and supported activities capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged plot, which the prosecution said were aimed at advancing a political ideology that could threaten national stability.
The charge also alleges that some defendants deliberately withheld critical intelligence that could have prevented the alleged offences.
“They had information that could have prevented the commission of terrorism-related acts but failed to disclose it to the appropriate security agencies,” the filing stated.
On the financial allegations, the prosecution accused several defendants of handling funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
Bukar Goni is alleged to have retained N50 million linked to unlawful activities, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly handled N2 million from similar sources.
Zekeri Umoru was accused of receiving and retaining cash transactions totaling over N18 million outside the banking system, while Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly took possession of N1 million linked to terrorism financing.
The case comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding previous reports of an alleged coup plot involving military personnel. Earlier in October 2025, authorities confirmed the arrest of several officers over similar allegations, though the Defence Headquarters initially denied coup claims.
By January 2026, the military confirmed that internal investigations had uncovered elements of a plot to overthrow the government, stating that those involved would face military tribunals.
Families of detained officers have repeatedly called for transparency and an open trial, staging protests and urging the government to allow due legal process in civilian courts.
The latest filing is expected to test the government’s approach to prosecuting cases involving alleged threats to national security as proceedings begin in Abuja.
