Nigeria Coup Plot: FG Files 13-Count Charge Against Timipre Sylva, Six Others
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The Federal Government has filed a 13-count criminal charge against Timipre Sylva and six other suspects over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The case is expected to be heard by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, with arraignment scheduled for April 22.
Defendants in the Case
Those named in the charge include two retired senior military officers, a serving police inspector, and three civilians. The defendants are:
Retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana
Retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim
Zekeri Umoru
Bukar Goni
Abdulkadir Sani
Timipre Sylva is also listed but reportedly remains at large.
Allegations and Charges
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of conspiring in 2025 to “levy war against the state” and destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure. The alleged offences include:
Treason and conspiracy to overthrow the government
Terrorism and support for terrorist activities
Failure to disclose intelligence about planned attacks
Money laundering linked to terrorism financing
Prosecutors claim the suspects had prior knowledge of a planned coup but failed to inform authorities or take steps to prevent it.
Terrorism and Financial Links
The Federal Government also alleged that some defendants participated in meetings aimed at advancing a political agenda capable of undermining Nigeria’s stability.
In addition, several suspects were accused of handling funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing, in violation of anti-money laundering laws.
Background to the Alleged Coup Plot
The charges follow earlier reports of a foiled coup attempt involving military personnel in 2025. Authorities later confirmed investigations into the plot, which allegedly aimed to remove the current government from power.
