The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a 13-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot in 2025 aimed at overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The defendants, who were arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, include:
- Retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana
- Retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor
- Serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim
- Zekeri Umoru
- Bukar Kashim Goni
- Abdulkadir Sani
All six pleaded not guilty to the charges.A seventh person named in the charge sheet is former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva (sometimes spelled Timpre Sylva in court documents).
He is listed as still at large and is accused in several counts, particularly of helping to conceal the plot and failing to disclose information about the alleged treasonous activities.Nature of the ChargesThe 13 counts border on serious offences, including:
- Conspiracy to levy war against the state (treason)
- Attempt to commit treason
- Acts of terrorism
- Failure to disclose security intelligence
- Financing of terrorism
- Money laundering linked to terrorism financing
The core allegation is that the accused conspired in 2025 in Abuja to “wage war against the state” in order to overawe or overthrow the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Some counts also claim that certain defendants knew of the planned treason by others (including a mentioned Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji) but failed to report it or prevent it.
The case was brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. After the pleas, the court adjourned proceedings to April 27, 2026, for hearing of bail applications.
Background
Rumours of the plot first surfaced publicly around October 2025, when the government abruptly cancelled the planned Independence Day military parade. Several military personnel were arrested late last year, and investigations reportedly uncovered plans involving both serving and retired officers.
Ex Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has previously denied any involvement in a coup plot. He remains at large, and an arrest warrant is believed to be active in relation to this or related matters.This is a developing high-profile national security case. The trial is expected to attract significant attention given the gravity of the allegations and the involvement of senior military and political figures.
