Alleged Coup Plot: FG Arraigns Six in Abuja, Sylva Declared At Large as Treason Charges Filed

Retired officers, police inspector face 13-count charge over alleged plot to overthrow Tinubu government.

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By A1 News Desk | Abuja, Nigeria

The Federal Government has arraigned six individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian government. The charges, which include treason, terrorism financing and money laundering, form part of a widening investigation into suspected subversive activities.

The defendants — retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani — were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Also named in the charge but currently at large is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The 13-count charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, accuses the defendants of conspiracy, attempt to commit treason, terrorism-related offences, and financial crimes.

According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” and overpower the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They were also accused of failing to disclose intelligence regarding an alleged plot involving a serving military officer, as well as failing to take steps to prevent the act.

The charge further alleges that some of the defendants participated in meetings linked to the plot and provided indirect support for terrorism-related activities.

Financial transactions cited in the charge include alleged receipt and retention of funds ranging from N1 million to N50 million, suspected to be proceeds linked to terrorism financing.

The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Probe Expands as Military Sets Up Court Martial
The arraignment follows a broader security investigation into an alleged coup plot within military and security circles.

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Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of several serving officers, while others were declared wanted. A military court martial is expected to try those still in active service.

Sources indicate that detained officers have recently been granted access to legal representation after months in custody.

Families Demand Transparency, Fair Trial
Relatives of detained officers have continued protests, calling for transparency, access, and speedy trial.

A spokesperson for the families, Nana Usman, expressed concern over lack of clear communication regarding the legal process, noting uncertainty over which suspects are facing civilian trial versus military proceedings.

Children of some detainees also staged protests at the National Assembly, demanding justice and an end to prolonged detention without trial.

Legal Experts Warn of Severe Penalties
Senior lawyers, including Mike Ahamba and Bankole Akomolafe, say treason-related offences carry the most severe penalties under Nigerian law.

They noted that conviction could attract the death penalty or life imprisonment, depending on the nature and degree of involvement proven in court.

Legal experts also emphasised that defendants retain full rights of appeal up to the Supreme Court.

The case highlights rising concerns about internal security and alleged subversion within Nigeria’s military and political space. It also tests the integrity of the judicial process in handling high-stakes national security cases, where transparency, due process, and public trust are critical.