The Federal Government is set to arraign six individuals today, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants, who include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, will appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Also named in the 13-count charge is the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who remains at large.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, range from conspiracy to commit treason and terrorism to money laundering and the failure to disclose security intelligence. Prosecution documents signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), allege that the defendants conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President.” Specifically, Abdulkadir Sani and Bukar Kashim Goni are accused of receiving and retaining significant sums—totaling millions of naira—linked to the plot, while others allegedly attended meetings to further a “political ideology” intended to destabilize the nation.
This high-profile arraignment follows a series of investigations into a suspected coup plot that first drew public attention in October 2025, when the Federal Government abruptly cancelled the Independence Day parade. While the Defence Headquarters initially dismissed claims of a power grab, it later confirmed in January 2026 that an internal investigation had indeed uncovered a plan to subvert the constitutional order. Authorities have already arrested 16 military officers in connection with the wider investigation, leading to protests from families demanding a transparent and speedy trial.
By bringing these charges, the Federal Government seeks to emphasize its zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional changes in government. The prosecution alleges that the defendants not only planned the act but also failed to use “reasonable endeavours” to prevent it despite having prior knowledge. As the legal proceedings commence today, the case stands as a significant test of Nigeria’s judicial and security apparatus in its efforts to uphold national stability and the rule of law.
