FG Slams Timipre Sylva, Retired Generals with 13-Count Treason Charge Over Alleged Coup Plot

ABUJA — The Federal Government has formally filed a 13-count charge of treason and terrorism against the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and six others for an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges follow months of investigation into a suspected conspiracy to “levy war” against the Nigerian state.

The Alleged Plot

According to court documents, the defendants are accused of conspiring in late 2025 to carry out a coup d’état aimed at “overawing” the President. The prosecution alleges that the group held meetings and coordinated efforts to destabilise the country through acts of terrorism.

Specific counts in the charge include:

• Treason: Planning to forcefully take over the government of the federation.
• Concealment of Treason: Failing to report intelligence regarding the plot to security agencies.
• Terrorism Financing: Money laundering and the retention of millions of naira intended to fund the insurrection.

High-Profile Defendants

The list of defendants highlights a mix of high-ranking political figures and security personnel. They are:

1. Timipre Sylva: Former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister (currently declared at large).
2. Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd).
3. Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd).
4. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim: A serving police officer.
5. Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

Background to the Arraignment

The legal action follows a series of raids and investigations conducted by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). In early 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that a probe was underway into personnel involvement in subversive activities.

Sources indicate that security operatives raided Sylva’s Abuja residence earlier this year, though the former minister was reported to have left the country shortly before the operation.

The defendants are scheduled to appear for arraignment on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.