Isaac Samuel
The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu, listing former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and six others in the case.
The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, serving police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Sylva was, however, said to be at large.
They are scheduled 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), accuses the defendants of offences including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
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 relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.
The Federal Government also alleged that the accused persons had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act but failed to report to security authorities or take steps to prevent it.
Beyond treason-related allegations, the defendants are also facing charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
They are accused of attending meetings and providing support for activities allegedly aimed at destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order.
The charge further includes allegations of handling and retaining funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing, with various sums linked to different defendants.
The case is expected to begin at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as authorities move to prosecute what they described as threats to national security.
