The Federal Government has taken a major step in its fight against threats to national security, filing a 13-count charge against six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government and destabilise the country.
The charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja against a group that includes two retired senior military officers, a serving police inspector, and three civilians. The accused are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Those named in the charge are Mohammed Gana, a retired Major General; Erasmus Victor, a retired Naval Captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a serving police inspector; and three others identified as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Also mentioned in the charge, but said to be at large, is a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, includes serious allegations ranging from treason and terrorism to money laundering and failure to disclose vital security information.
According to the charge, the Federal Government accused the defendants of conspiring in 2025 to wage war against the Nigerian state. Prosecutors claim the group planned to “overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Nigerian law.
Though details of the alleged plot are still unfolding, the government said the actions of the defendants posed a direct threat to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the country’s constitutional order.
The charges also suggest that the accused had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving another officer, identified as Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, and others. However, they allegedly failed to inform authorities or take steps to stop the plan.
Prosecutors stated that the defendants did not report the planned act to the President or any security agency, despite having information that could have helped prevent it. They were also accused of failing to take reasonable steps to stop the alleged crime.
Beyond treason, the Federal Government has also brought terrorism-related charges against the group under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants worked together to carry out acts that could destabilise Nigeria. Specifically, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged plot.
According to the charge, these meetings were aimed at promoting a political agenda that could weaken Nigeria’s constitutional structure and create instability.
The government further claimed that the defendants provided support for terrorism, knowingly helping to facilitate actions that could threaten public safety.
Another key part of the case is the alleged suppression of intelligence. Prosecutors said the defendants had access to information that could have prevented acts of terrorism but chose not to share it with relevant authorities.
Financial transactions linked to the alleged plot also form a major part of the case. Several of the defendants are accused of handling funds believed to be connected to terrorism financing.
According to the charge, Bukar Goni allegedly kept N50 million linked to unlawful activities, while Abdulkadir Sani is accused of retaining N2 million from similar sources.
Zekeri Umoru was said to have accepted N10 million in cash without using a financial institution, in addition to holding another N8.8 million suspected to be tied to terrorism financing.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of receiving N1 million believed to be part of such funds.
These actions, the government said, violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which is designed to prevent the movement of illegal funds and disrupt criminal activities.
The case comes months after growing concerns about a possible coup attempt in Nigeria.
In October 2025, the Federal Government unexpectedly cancelled the traditional military parade that usually marks Independence Day celebrations on October 1. At the time, officials did not give a clear reason for the decision.
Soon after, reports began to circulate suggesting that the cancellation was linked to a suspected coup plot. However, the Defence Headquarters quickly dismissed the claims, saying there was no connection between the decision and any security threat.
Despite the denial, developments later in the month raised fresh concerns. On October 31, authorities confirmed that at least 16 military officers had been arrested earlier in October over an alleged plan to overthrow the government. Two others were declared at large.
The situation became clearer in January 2026 when the Defence Headquarters officially confirmed that there had indeed been a plot to remove President Tinubu from office.
The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said investigations carried out by the military uncovered the involvement of some personnel in the alleged plan.
He added that those found responsible would be tried through appropriate military processes.
The current case before the Federal High Court is seen as a major test of the Federal Government’s determination to deal with threats to national security.
As the arraignment begins, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether it will lead to wider investigations.
For now, the Federal Government appears determined to send a strong message that any attempt to undermine the country’s democratic system will be met with firm legal action.
The court proceedings in Abuja are expected to begin on Wednesday, marking the next stage in what could become one of the most important security-related trials in recent years.