BREAKING: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters

BREAKING: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against alleged coup plotters in Nigeria, accusing six individuals—including retired military officers and a serving police inspector—of treason, terrorism, and terrorism financing in a case that could become one of the country’s most significant national security trials in recent years.

The defendants—retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are expected to be arraigned on April 22 before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Also listed in the charge, but currently at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, whose inclusion has heightened public interest in the unfolding coup plot case in Nigeria.

The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo. It outlines multiple offences, including treasonable felony, conspiracy to wage war, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” and overpower the government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Authorities claim the accused had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving other conspirators but failed to alert security agencies or take preventive action.

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The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants withheld critical intelligence that could have stopped the planned acts, thereby violating provisions of Nigerian criminal law. Prosecutors also accused them of participating in meetings and activities aimed at destabilising the country’s constitutional order.

Under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the defendants are accused of conspiring to commit acts capable of threatening national stability. Some of the accused were specifically linked to gatherings and planning sessions tied to the alleged plot.

Financial investigations also form a key part of the case, with several defendants accused of handling funds connected to terrorism financing in Nigeria. Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly retained ₦50 million believed to be proceeds of terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani is accused of holding ₦2 million from similar sources.

Zekeri Umoru allegedly received ₦10 million outside the formal financial system and retained an additional ₦8.8 million suspected to be linked to unlawful activities. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of possessing ₦1 million tied to the same network.

The case is part of a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot that first gained attention in October 2025, when the Federal Government cancelled a ceremonial parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Although initial reports linking the cancellation to a coup attempt were denied, subsequent developments confirmed security concerns.

Later in October 2025, authorities arrested 16 military officers in connection with the alleged plot, while others were declared at large. In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered a plan to overthrow the government.

According to the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, those implicated would face appropriate legal proceedings in line with military and civil laws.

The arrests have since sparked protests and appeals from families of detained officers, who have demanded a fair and open trial in Nigeria. In recent weeks, relatives staged demonstrations at the National Assembly, calling for access to the suspects and speedy prosecution.

With the arraignment set to begin, the FG 13-count charge against alleged coup plotters is expected to test Nigeria’s judicial system and its handling of high-profile treason and terrorism cases.

BREAKING: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters