IN DETAIL: Breakdown of the 13-count charge against alleged coup plotters
The federal government has arraigned six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, bringing a 13-count charge against them at the federal high court in Abuja.
The defendants — Muhammed Ibrahim Gana (retired major general), Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retired navy captain), Ahmed Ibrahim (police inspector), Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani — pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A former Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the case but is reportedly at large.
Presiding judge Joyce Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated hearing and remanded the defendants in custody.
Summary of the charges
The charges centre on allegations of treason, terrorism, and financial crimes tied to an alleged plot in 2025.
- Counts 1–4: The defendants are accused of conspiring to wage war against the Nigerian state, failing to report and prevent a planned act of treason, and plotting acts of terrorism.
- Counts 5–8: Some of the accused allegedly participated in meetings to advance a political agenda capable of destabilising Nigeria, supported terrorist activities, and failed to disclose information that could have prevented or exposed such acts.
- Counts 9–13: These charges relate to financial transactions linked to terrorism financing. The prosecution alleges that the defendants received and retained large sums of money suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, including:
- N2 million allegedly received by Abdulkadir Sani
- N50 million linked to Bukar Kashim Goni
- N10 million cash reportedly accepted by Zekeri Umoru outside formal financial channels
- Additional funds traced to accounts associated with Umoru and Ahmed Ibrahim
According to the charge sheet, the funds were believed to be connected to terrorism financing and were handled in violation of Nigeria’s money laundering laws.
The case is expected to proceed on an accelerated basis as ordered by the court.
