The Federal Government is set to arraign six individuals on April 22, 2026, over an alleged plot to overthrow Nigeria’s government and destabilize the state. Among those named in the charges is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is currently at large.
The defendants expected to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
According to the charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the accused persons are alleged to have conspired in 2025 to wage war against the state and attempt to remove President Bola Tinubu from power. The charge sheet was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The prosecution alleges that the defendants were part of a coordinated effort to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order. Sylva is specifically listed among those involved but has not yet been apprehended.
The charges against the defendants span multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit treason, failure to disclose knowledge of treasonable acts, and failure to prevent such acts. Authorities claim the accused were aware of a planned coup linked to Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji but did not report or act to stop it.
Additional counts include allegations of terrorism-related offenses. Prosecutors claim the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and supported individuals involved in such activities. Some of the accused are also alleged to have attended meetings aimed at promoting ideologies capable of destabilizing Nigeria’s political structure.
The charge sheet further outlines accusations of withholding critical information that could have prevented terrorist acts or aided security agencies in apprehending suspects. These actions are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Financial crimes also feature prominently in the case. Several defendants are accused of receiving and retaining funds linked to terrorism financing. Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million connected to such activities, while Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of holding N50 million from similar sources.
Zekeri Umoru is accused of accepting N10 million in cash from Colonel Ma’aji and retaining an additional N8.8 million in a bank account tied to terrorism financing. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim is also alleged to have received N1 million connected to the same network.
The arraignment follows months of investigations into an alleged coup plot within military and security circles. In October 2025, the Federal Government canceled the Independence Day parade, a move that was later speculated to be linked to the unfolding investigation. However, the Defence Headquarters denied any connection at the time.
In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers and declared two others wanted after uncovering what it described as a plan to overthrow the president. The arrests sparked protests from families of detained officers, who called for greater transparency and access to those in custody.
As part of the broader response, the military established a court martial to try serving personnel implicated in the alleged plot. Among those facing military trial are Brigadier General M. A. Sadiq, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, and Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah.
Sources indicate that the court martial proceedings are scheduled to begin alongside the civilian trial. For the first time since their detention, the affected officers have reportedly been granted access to legal representation.
The cases mark one of the most significant security-related prosecutions in recent years, involving both civilian and military suspects. Authorities say the proceedings will test the strength of Nigeria’s legal and institutional response to threats against its constitutional order.
