WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria filed a 13-count charge against several suspects involved in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 include treason, terrorism, and money laundering.
The plot reportedly first came to light in October 2025, leading to the abrupt cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade due to intelligence that plotters intended to target the President during the event.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) initially dismissed coup reports in 2025 as “routine disciplinary actions” but officially acknowledged the existence of an ouster plot in January 2026.
Relatives of the suspects had previously protested in April 2026 for a speedy trial after months of detention.
The defendants are scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Those named in the charge include: Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd); Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd); Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (serving police officer); Zekeri Umoru (electrician at the Presidential Villa); Bukar Kashim Goni; Abdulkadir Sani; and Timipre Sylva (Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, currently at large).
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state to overawe the President.”
Other significant allegations include funding and logistics, which former Minister Timipre Sylva is accused of being the arrowhead and financier of the plot.
Several defendants are accused of having prior knowledge of the plot but failing to alert security agencies. Charges under the Money Laundering Act allege that defendants handled millions of naira linked to terrorism financing.
