The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja against individuals alleged to have conspired to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among the accused are a retired military officer, a naval captain, a serving police inspector, and several civilians, including retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.
Also named in the charge, though said to be at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
The charges were filed on Monday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The defendants are accused of offences including alleged treason, terrorism, terrorism financing, and failure to disclose intelligence relating to a planned attack on the Nigerian state.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.
They were further accused of failing to report knowledge of an alleged treasonable plot linked to Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, despite having prior information that could have prevented the offence.
According to the charge, some defendants also failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged act or alert relevant security authorities in a timely manner.
The prosecution additionally accused several of the defendants of attending meetings allegedly aimed at advancing a political ideology intended to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional order.
They are also facing allegations under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 for conspiracy and providing support for acts of terrorism.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of participating in meetings linked to the alleged plot and facilitating related activities.
The charge further alleges that the defendants suppressed intelligence that could have prevented the alleged offences, thereby hindering security operations.
Financial crime allegations were also included, with prosecutors claiming that some defendants handled funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
Bukar Goni was alleged to have retained ₦50 million linked to unlawful activities, while Abdulkadir Sani was accused of holding ₦2 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
Zekeri Umoru was also accused of cash transactions totalling over ₦18 million outside the formal banking system, allegedly linked to illicit sources.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was further accused of receiving ₦1 million described as part of terrorism-related proceeds.
The case is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the defendants will be arraigned on the multiple charges.
