The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally identified individuals accused of being involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, escalating what authorities describe as a serious national security case.
Among those named in the charge is former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large. The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, outlines multiple allegations against the defendants.
Also listed in the suit are Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
According to the Federal Government, the accused face a 13-count charge centered on allegations of treason, with prosecutors claiming they conspired to wage war against the Nigerian state in an attempt to forcibly remove the sitting president.
The alleged offence is said to violate Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, which prescribes punishment for acts aimed at overthrowing the government through unlawful means.
The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on April 22 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charge was initiated by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo.
Beyond treason, the Federal Government is also pursuing additional allegations, including terrorism offences, failure to disclose critical security intelligence, and money laundering linked to the financing of terrorist activities.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overthrow the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” reinforcing the gravity of the charges.
The prosecution further claims that the accused had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to notify the appropriate authorities.
In addition, the case invokes provisions of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, under which the defendants are being prosecuted for their alleged roles in activities connected to national security threats.
The case is expected to draw significant attention as proceedings begin in Abuja.
