The Federal Government on Wednesday brought five individuals accused of orchestrating a plot to topple the administration of President Bola Tinubu before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on multiple charges. After they pleaded not guilty, the court ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services, following a request by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who personally appeared to prosecute the case.
The court fixed Monday for the commencement of trial. Defence counsel, led by Mohammed Ndayako, urged the court to grant them access to their clients, noting that such access is necessary to adequately prepare their defence, as the accused have been held in detention since their arrest.
Among those named in the 13-count charge is former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, who was arraigned in absentia after reportedly leaving the country before details of the alleged plot emerged. Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others.
The charges against them include treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and alleged involvement in money laundering linked to terrorism financing. Prosecutors claimed that in September 2025, the defendants conspired to wage actions intended to undermine the government, and were aware of plans involving a suspected ringleader but failed to inform authorities or take steps to prevent the act.
The government further alleged that some of the accused participated in meetings tied to terrorist activities and provided support to advance a political agenda capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order. Financial investigations cited in the charges indicate that some defendants allegedly handled large sums of money suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities connected to terrorism.
All financial-related allegations were filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, while terrorism-related offences were brought under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.