ABUJA – The Federal Government on Wednesday formally arraigned six suspects before a Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged involvement in a plot to topple the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
While the defendants stood trial on a 13-count charge bordering on treason and terrorism, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was notably absent. The prosecution identified Sylva as a key figure in the alleged plot but noted he remains “at large.”
The Defendants and the Charges
The six suspects present in court included retired high-ranking military officers and a serving member of the police force:
- Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (Rtd)
- Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (Rtd)
- Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim
- Zekeri Umoru
- Bukar Kashim Goni
- Abdulkadir Sani
All six defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleged that the group conspired to levy war against the Nigerian state and engaged in terrorism financing, with specific mention of sums totaling ₦52 million linked to the operation.
The Alleged “Coup” Strategy
According to court documents, the plot involved a plan to “overawe” the President through violent means. Intelligence reports from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggested that the group intended to use informants and specialized equipment to target the seat of power.
The Federal Government maintains that Timipre Sylva served as the primary financier and coordinator of the group. His absence from the dock suggests that security agencies are still tracking his whereabouts, with some reports indicating he may have fled the country through unconventional routes.
Next Steps in the Trial
Following their “not guilty” pleas, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings as the government continues its hunt for the remaining suspects mentioned in the investigation.
