The Federal Government has filed a multi-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and six others before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Also listed as defendants in the suit are a retired Major General, Mohammed Ibrahim Gana; a retired Naval Captain, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor; a serving Police Inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim; and three others identified as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Although named in the charge, Sylva was said to be currently at large, according to information presented before the court.
The case was instituted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, with the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
According to the government, the defendants allegedly conspired to wage war against the Nigerian state with the intent to intimidate and overawe President Bola Tinubu, an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to inform the appropriate authorities. It maintained that the accused persons deliberately withheld vital intelligence and did not take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged plot.
In addition to the treason-related counts, the defendants were accused of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism aimed at destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure. Specifically, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were alleged to have attended meetings connected to terrorist activities in pursuit of a political objective.
The Federal Government also accused the defendants of providing material and financial support for terrorism. It alleged that Bukar Kashim Goni retained N50 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly held N2 million from similar sources.
Zekeri Umoru was accused of accepting a cash payment of N10 million outside the formal banking system and retaining an additional N8.8 million believed to be linked to terrorism financing. Similarly, Inspector Ibrahim was alleged to have taken possession of N1 million connected to the same scheme.
All financial-related charges were filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, barring any last-minute changes.
The charges come months after speculation of a coup plot emerged in October 2025, following the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary military parade over security concerns. While authorities initially dismissed the claims, the military later confirmed in January that 16 officers would face trial for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government.
It remains unclear whether the current charges before the Federal High Court are connected to the ongoing military proceedings.
Sylva, who served as minister between 2019 and 2023 and was previously governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012, had earlier denied any involvement in a coup plot after security operatives searched his residence in October last year.
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for him in a separate case by the anti-corruption agency. His spokesperson had stated at the time that he was in the United Kingdom for medical reasons and described the allegations as politically motivated.
Efforts to obtain comments from Sylva’s associates were unsuccessful, as they declined to speak on the matter.
However, one associate, who requested anonymity, expressed concern over the sensitivity of the allegations, noting that individuals linked to the case had faced intense scrutiny from authorities in recent months.
Meanwhile, a Bayelsa elder and convener of the South South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakederimo, urged that the trial be conducted transparently and without political interference.
He stressed that while anyone found guilty should be held accountable, the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that adherence to due process remains essential to ensuring justice.
FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva, Six Others
