FG Files 13-count Charge Against Alleged Coup Plotters

FG files 13-count charge against alleged coup plotters

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six defendants over an alleged coup plot, treason, terrorism, and related offences. According to the charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the accused persons include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others. The case is linked to allegations that they conspired to destabilise the Nigerian state and “levy war against the government.”

Those named in the charge are

• Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd)
• Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd)
• Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim
• Zekeri Umoru
• Bukar Kashim Goni
• Abdulkadir Sani

Also mentioned in the filing, though said to be at large, is a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants

• Conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” and overthrow the President
• Failed to report knowledge of a planned treasonable act
• Failed to take steps to prevent the alleged offence
• Participated in acts linked to terrorism and terrorism financing

They are also facing charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including alleged support for activities aimed at destabilising Nigeria. The defendants are expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Security agencies have reportedly been investigating alleged coordinated military-related activities involving serving and retired officers, leading to multiple arrests and interrogations in recent months. The case represents one of the most significant national security prosecutions in recent times, involving high-ranking retired officers, serving security personnel, and allegations of conspiracy, terrorism, and attempts to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order.