Retired General, Police Inspector, Ex-Minister at Large: FG Names Alleged Coup Plotters in 13-Count Charge
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The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The defendants include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and a former minister currently at large.
Among those named in the charge sheet is Timipre Sylva, who authorities say is on the run.
Ejes Gist News reports that the case represents one of the most significant coup-related prosecutions in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, with allegations spanning treason, terrorism, and financial crimes linked to terrorism financing.
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List of Suspects and Their Status
The defendants named in the charge include:
| Name | Status | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Major General Mohammed Gana (retd.) | In custody | Former military officer |
| Captain Erasmus Victor (retd.) | In custody | Former naval officer |
| Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim | In custody | Serving police officer |
| Zekeri Umoru | In custody | Civilian |
| Bukar Kashim Goni | In custody | Civilian |
| Abdulkadir Sani | In custody | Civilian |
| Timipre Sylva | At large | Former minister |
The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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Details of the Charges
Treason and Conspiracy
Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired with others, including one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, who remains at large, to overthrow the government.
Failure to Report Treasonable Acts
The charge states that the accused had prior knowledge of the alleged plot but failed to inform authorities or take steps to prevent it.
Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering
Financial allegations outlined in the charge include:
- Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly retained ₦50 million linked to terrorism financing.
- Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained ₦2 million from a similar source.
- Zekeri Umoru allegedly received ₦10 million in cash outside a financial institution and held an additional ₦8.8 million tied to terrorism.
- Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly possessed ₦1 million connected to the same activities.
Meetings Linked to Political Destabilisation
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of attending meetings aimed at advancing a political agenda capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly provided direct or indirect support to facilitate acts of terrorism.
Authorities further claim that the accused withheld critical information that could have prevented the alleged acts.
Focus on Timipre Sylva
The inclusion of Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-minister, adds a political dimension to the case. He is currently listed as “at large,” with no official confirmation of his location or whether contact has been established by security agencies.
No public statement has been issued by Sylva or his representatives.
Next Steps in Court
The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to fix a date for arraignment. Proceedings will likely include:
- Reading of charges to the defendants
- Entry of pleas
- Consideration of bail applications
Authorities may seek a warrant of arrest or initiate extradition proceedings if Sylva is confirmed to be outside Nigeria.
Context Within Nigeria’s Democratic Era
Coup attempts were frequent in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. However, since the start of the Fourth Republic, such allegations have been rare and largely unproven in court.
This case stands out due to the formal filing of multiple charges, identification of suspects, and inclusion of financial evidence tied to terrorism-related offences.
Official Position
The Office of the Attorney-General has not released a detailed public statement beyond filing the charges. However, the direct involvement of the Director of Public Prosecutions indicates the seriousness attached to the case.
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Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, have not issued separate statements regarding the arrest of the serving police officer named in the charge.
Developments to Monitor
- Bail applications by the defendants
- Confirmation of Timipre Sylva’s whereabouts
- Political and institutional reactions
- Release of the full charge sheet
The case is expected to proceed through the judicial process as one of the most closely watched security-related prosecutions in recent years.
SEE FULL CHARGE SHEET BELOW:
