Six individuals are scheduled to appear in the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 22, 2026, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The arraignment, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, involves retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, is named in the charges but remains at large. The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The defendants face seven counts, including conspiracy to levy war against the state, failure to report a treasonable act, and supporting terrorism. The charges reference Section 37(2) and Section 40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004, as well as multiple provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Specific allegations include supporting Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji in a treasonable act and participating in meetings aimed at destabilizing Nigeria's constitutional order. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are separately charged with advancing a political ideology that threatens constitutional stability.
In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers and the issuance of wanted notices for two others following an internal investigation. The alleged plot was linked by some reports to the cancellation of Nigeria's 2025 Independence Day parade in October 2025, though the Defence Headquarters denied any connection.
Timipre Sylva is charged in absentia while his co-defendants face court, raising questions about the disparity in their legal exposure despite identical allegations. His status as a former federal minister contrasts with the military and police ranks of the others now in custody. Nigerians named in the charges may face prolonged legal battles amid public scrutiny over national security conduct. The outcome will hinge on evidence tied directly to each individual's alleged role.
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