- The Federal Government has officially charged six individuals, including a retired Major General and a serving Police Inspector, with treason, terrorism, and money laundering following a failed attempt to oust President Bola Tinubu.
- Former Petroleum Minister and ex-Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva, has been named as a co-conspirator but remains at large, with reports suggesting he is currently in the United Kingdom.
- The charges stem from a secretive plot uncovered in October 2025, which led to the abrupt cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade due to what were then described as “security threats.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to become the center of a high-stakes legal battle as Justice Joyce Abdulmalik prepares to hear treason charges against six men accused of conspiring to overthrow the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the defendants, who include high-ranking former military officers and a civilian staffer from within the Presidential Villa, are accused of planning a violent takeover of the government late last year.
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According to the charge sheet filed by the Attorney General, the plot was allegedly spearheaded by Col. Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, who is already in custody.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants not only had prior knowledge of the “treasonable act” but actively suppressed intelligence and engaged in money laundering to finance the operation.
The allegations first gained public traction in October 2025 when the government’s sudden decision to scrap the Independence Day military parade fueled nationwide speculation of a brewing coup.
The military had previously denied these suggestions, but the subsequent announcement of a military court-martial for 16 officers in January confirmed the gravity of the breach.
This new case in the Federal High Court targets the collaborative efforts between retired military personnel, active security agents, and civilian associates.
The six individuals facing trial are:
- Mohammed Ibrahim Gana: A retired Major General.
- Erasmus Ochegobia Victor: A retired Navy Captain.
- Ahmed Ibrahim: A serving Police Inspector.
- Zekeri Umoru: An electrician employed at the Presidential Villa.
- Bukar Kashim Goni: A civilian.
- Abdulkadir Sani: An Islamic cleric.
The case took a significant political turn with the inclusion of Timipre Sylva.
Sylva, who served as Petroleum Minister under former President Buhari and as Governor of Bayelsa State, has consistently denied any involvement, claiming the accusations are “politically motivated.”
An arrest warrant remains active for the former minister, whose house was raided by investigators last October. His representatives have maintained that he is currently in the UK for medical reasons.
Under Nigerian law, treason is one of the most serious criminal offenses and can attract severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Since the return to democracy in 1999, Nigeria has maintained unbroken civilian rule, and the current administration appears determined to use this trial to reaffirm the military’s subordination to constitutional authority.
