FG files 13-count treason charge against alleged coup plotters

The federal government has instituted a 13-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against several individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

Those facing trial include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others. Prosecutors allege that the defendants engaged in acts amounting to treason, terrorism, and attempts to wage war against the Nigerian state.

In October 2025, the government abruptly cancelled a planned parade to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary on October 1. Shortly afterward, speculation emerged linking the cancellation to a suspected coup attempt. However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied any connection between the cancellation and the alleged coup attempt.

Subsequent reports indicated that 16 military officers were arrested in early October 2025 in connection with the alleged plot, while two others were said to have evaded capture. By January 2026, the DHQ officially confirmed that there had been a scheme to remove the president from power.

According to Samaila Uba, director of defence information at the DHQ, investigations conducted under established military procedures uncovered the involvement of certain personnel in the alleged conspiracy. He added that those implicated would face trial before appropriate military judicial bodies.

In March, relatives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the suspects are tried in an open court. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the families—comprising spouses and other close relations—also called for access to those accused of masterminding the plot.

The agitation continued into April, when the families staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly of Nigeria, demanding a speedy trial and the right to see their detained relatives.

Those listed as defendants include Timipre Sylva, a former minister of state for petroleum resources; Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired naval captain; and Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector. Others named are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned on April 22 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecutions.

According to the charge sheet, the federal government has accused the defendants of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. Prosecutors allege that the accused conspired to “levy war against the state” in a bid to intimidate the president.

Specific allegations include claims that Bukar Kashim Goni retained N50 million believed to be proceeds of terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly held N2 million from similar sources. Zekeri Umoru is accused of receiving N10 million in cash outside formal financial channels and retaining an additional N8.8 million suspected to be tied to terrorism financing. Police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly possessed N1 million linked to the same scheme, and both Ibrahim and Umoru were said to have attended meetings connected to terrorist activities.

The charge sheet further states that the defendants, alongside others said to be at large, conspired in 2025 within Abuja to wage war against the state, an offence punishable under Nigerian law. It also alleges that they failed to report plans of treason involving other individuals to the appropriate authorities.