FG to arraign Sylva, others over alleged coup plot against Tinubu today

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count treason and terrorism charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six persons accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration through a coup attempt.

The defendants include former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva (said to be at large), retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others identified as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, alleges that the defendants conspired to “levy war against the state” and overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. They were also accused of failing to report a planned treasonable act despite alleged prior knowledge and not taking steps to prevent its execution.

The Federal Government further alleged that the accused persons participated in meetings linked to activities aimed at “seriously destabilising the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and provided support for terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge also includes money laundering allegations, with claims that some of the defendants handled proceeds of unlawful activities linked to terrorism financing. Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of retaining N50 million, Abdulkadir Sani N2 million, Zekeri Umoru N18.8 million in total, while Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly took possession of N1 million.

The defendants are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Timipre Sylva is currently said to be at large.

The case follows reports of an alleged coup plot that emerged after the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day military parade in October 2025, though the military later confirmed internal disciplinary proceedings against some officers over alleged subversive activities.

A Bayelsa elder, Joseph Ambakederimo, has urged that the case be handled strictly in line with due process, warning against politicisation and stressing that the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt in an open trial.