- The Federal Government filed a 13-count charge against six individuals over alleged treason and terrorism offences
- Authorities accused the suspects of plotting to overthrow the government and withholding critical security intelligence
- Several defendants were alleged to have handled millions of naira linked to terrorism financing
The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.
The defendants—retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, 22 April, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Also named in the charge, but currently at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
Filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the charges include allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. They were also accused of having prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, yet failing to inform the authorities.
The charge further alleges that the accused neglected to take reasonable steps to prevent the purported offences, despite being aware of the plans. Prosecutors also claim that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged conspiracy, reportedly aimed at advancing a political ideology capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure. Additionally, the defendants were accused of providing indirect support for terrorist activities and suppressing intelligence that could have prevented such acts.
Financial allegations also form a significant part of the case. Bukar Kashim Goni was accused of retaining ₦50 million linked to terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly held ₦2 million from similar sources. Zekeri Umoru was said to have accepted ₦10 million in cash outside formal financial channels and retained an additional ₦8.8 million, while Inspector Ibrahim allegedly possessed ₦1 million connected to terrorism financing.
The case comes amid heightened concerns over national security following earlier reports of an alleged coup plot. In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered a plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with several military officers arrested.
Families of detained officers have since called for transparent legal proceedings, staging protests and urging the government to ensure a fair and open trial. As proceedings begin, the case is expected to test the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing threats to national security through due process.