The Federal Government has initiated a high-profile legal battle by filing a 13-count charge against the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, alongside several high-ranking former and current security officials. The group is being accused of serious crimes, including treason, a plot to wage war against the Nigerian state, and various acts of terrorism. The case, which is set to be heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has sent shockwaves through the political and security landscape.
According to documents obtained by Reports, the defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, and a serving police inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim. Other individuals named in the suit are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. While the other men are expected to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik this Wednesday, Timipre Sylva is currently reported to be at large.
The charges, prepared by the Office of the Attorney-General and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, paint a picture of a deep-seated conspiracy that allegedly took root in 2025. The prosecution claims the group intended to “overawe” the President and undermine the constitutional stability of the country. Beyond the core charge of treason, the government alleges that the defendants had prior knowledge of these plans but deliberately chose to remain silent rather than informing the appropriate authorities.
The legal action also dives into the realm of terrorism financing. Reports found that the defendants are accused of not only participating in meetings to further a specific political ideology through destabilization but also providing indirect support for terrorist activities. Specifically, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are alleged to have been active participants in these clandestine discussions.
Financial transparency is another major pillar of this case. Prosecutors have traced several suspicious transactions they believe are linked to the funding of these unlawful acts. For instance, Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have retained ₦50 million derived from terrorism financing, while Zekeri Umoru reportedly accepted a ₦10 million cash payment outside of the banking system. Other smaller, yet significant, sums were also allegedly handled by Abdulkadir Sani and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim.
As the court prepares for the arraignment, the Federal Government remains firm in its pursuit of justice under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act as well as the Money Laundering Act of 2022. The proceedings are expected to reveal more details about the alleged attempt to levy war against the state and the extent of the intelligence suppression that allowed the plot to move forward.
