FG files 13-count charges against suspected coup conspirators

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow the government and commit acts of terrorism.

Those named in the charge include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, as well as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.

They are expected to be arraigned on April 22 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Also listed in the charge, but currently at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, accuses the defendants of offences including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering.

According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to wage war against the Nigerian state with the aim of destabilising the government. Prosecutors claim the accused planned to “overawe” the president, an offence punishable under Nigeria’s Criminal Code.

The government further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving a serving officer, Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, but failed to report it to the appropriate authorities.

They are also accused of neglecting to take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged plot.

In addition, the prosecution is pursuing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, alleging that some of the defendants participated in meetings linked to activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s constitutional order.

Specifically, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were accused of attending meetings aimed at advancing a political agenda that could destabilise the country.

The charge also alleges that the defendants provided varying degrees of support to facilitate terrorist activities and deliberately withheld intelligence that could have helped prevent such acts.

Prosecutors further traced financial transactions allegedly tied to terrorism financing. Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of retaining ₦50 million believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly held ₦2 million from similar sources.

Zekeri Umoru was said to have received ₦10 million in cash outside formal financial channels and retained an additional ₦8.8 million linked to the alleged scheme. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim is also accused of handling ₦1 million connected to the same activities.

All financial-related charges were filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The case is expected to proceed at the Federal High Court as the government intensifies legal action against those accused of plotting to undermine national security.