ABUJA:  The Federal Government has formally initiated legal proceedings against six individuals, including former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and several high-ranking security officials, over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The 13-count charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, includes allegations of treason, terrorism financing, and money laundering.

The Defendants

The charge sheets list a diverse group of defendants, ranging from political figures to active and retired security personnel:

• Timipre Sylva: Former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister (currently declared at large).

• Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (Rtd): Retired military officer.

• Capt. Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (Rtd): Retired Naval officer.

• Ahmed Ibrahim: A serving Police Inspector.

• Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani: Private citizens and alleged collaborators.

Core Allegations

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, alleges that the group conspired to "levy war against the state" with the intent to overawe the President.

1. Treason and Failure to Report The government maintains the defendants had prior knowledge of a treasonable plot involving a Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji but failed to notify the Presidency or peace officers. Under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, failure to report such intelligence is a punishable offense.

2. Terrorism and Destabilization The defendants are accused of participating in meetings aimed at furthering a political ideology intended to "destabilize the constitutional structure" of Nigeria. Specifically, Inspector Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are linked to facilitating these meetings.

3. Financial Crimes The charge highlights several suspicious transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing:

• Bukar Kashim Goni: Allegedly retained N50 million from unlawful acts.

• Zekeri Umoru: Accused of accepting N10 million in cash outside financial institutions and retaining an additional N8.8 million.

• Abdulkadir Sani & Inspector Ibrahim: Allegedly linked to sums of N2 million and N1 million, respectively.

Context and Background

Rumors of a coup first gained traction in October 2025 following the abrupt cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade. While the military initially denied these claims, 16 officers were sent to a military court in January 2026. It remains unclear if this current High Court case is a separate matter or an extension of those proceedings.

Reactions

Timipre Sylva has previously denied any involvement, with his spokespersons characterizing the investigations as "politically motivated." Sylva is currently believed to be in the United Kingdom for medical reasons.

In response to the news, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the South South Reawakening Group, urged for a transparent judicial process.

"The prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. This trial should not be politicized... this is the only way justice will be seen to have been done," Ambakederimo stated.

The defendants are expected to be arraigned today before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.