Coup Plot Charges: Sylva, Military Officers Face Arraignment Amid Treason, Terrorism Allegations

A high-profile legal battle is set to begin in Abuja as the Federal Government moves to arraign former minister Timipre Sylva and several others over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The 13-count charge, filed before the Federal High Court, accuses the defendants of treason, terrorism-related offences and money laundering.

Also named in the case are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others.

Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor, is currently said to be at large.

The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General and signed by Rotimi Oyedepo, alleges that the accused conspired to wage war against the state.

They were also said to have had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji but failed to report it.

According to the government, the defendants did not “give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch” nor take steps to prevent the alleged offence.

Authorities further allege the group conspired to commit terrorism “in a bid to further a political ideology which might seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge outlines alleged financial links to terrorism, including millions of naira said to have been retained or transferred by the accused outside formal financial channels.

The arraignment is expected before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The case traces back to October 2025 when a planned Independence Day military parade was abruptly cancelled, fuelling speculation of a coup plot. Although initially denied, the military later confirmed that 16 officers would face court martial over similar allegations.

Sylva has consistently denied any involvement, with his aides describing the claims as politically motivated.

As the case unfolds, calls for fairness and transparency have emerged.

“If anyone runs foul of the law, he should face the consequences of his actions in a competent court of law,” said Bayelsa elder Joseph Ambakederimo.

“This trial should not be politicised… the court should be allowed to do its work to its logical conclusion.”

The proceedings are expected to test both the strength of the prosecution’s case and the broader commitment to rule of law in Nigeria.

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