FG files 13-count charge against suspected coup plotters
The Federal Government has instituted a 13-count charge against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, over an alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian government and engage in acts of terrorism.
The case, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, names retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani as defendants. They are scheduled to be arraigned on April 22 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was also listed in the charge but is said to be at large.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). The defendants are accused of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and involvement in terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly conspired in 2025 to wage war against the state with the aim of overthrowing the President, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code.
They were also accused of having prior knowledge of a planned coup involving other individuals but failing to inform the appropriate authorities or take steps to prevent it.
In addition, prosecutors alleged that the defendants took part in meetings connected to the plot and provided support to facilitate acts of terrorism, actions said to threaten the country’s constitutional order.
The charge further includes allegations of money laundering, with some of the defendants accused of handling millions of naira believed to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
The case forms part of a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot first reported in 2025, which led to the arrest of several military officers and sparked calls from their families for a transparent trial. Proceedings are expected to test the government’s resolve to prosecute threats to national security.
