The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and six others.
The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, serving Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Authorities allege they were involved in a conspiracy linked to plans to undermine the Nigerian state in 2025.
Sylva is currently said to be at large, while other defendants are expected in court on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by DPP Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
It alleges that the accused conspired “to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The offences are said to fall under treason, terrorism, terrorism financing, and failure to report security threats.
“They conspired with one another to levy war against the state,” the charge stated.
Prosecutors also alleged that the defendants knew of a planned treason-related act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji but failed to report it.
“Knowing that a treasonable act was intended, they did not give information with reasonable despatch,” the filing read.
Failure to Report Intelligence and Support Claims
The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants failed to take steps to prevent the alleged offences.
“They did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence,” the charge stated.
The prosecution also accused them of supporting terrorism activities under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
It claims some defendants attended meetings linked to ideological activities capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order.
“They conspired to commit acts of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the filing stated.
Authorities further alleged that intelligence capable of preventing attacks was withheld from security agencies.
Money Laundering and Financial Transactions
Beyond security allegations, the defendants face multiple counts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The prosecution said funds linked to alleged terrorism financing were traced to several individuals.
Bukar Goni is accused of retaining about ₦50 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained ₦2 million, while Zekeri Umoru is accused of handling ₦10 million in cash and an additional ₦8.8 million.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim is also accused of receiving ₦1 million tied to the same alleged network.
The case is expected to begin hearing in Abuja as security agencies continue investigations into the alleged network.
The Federal Government maintains that the charges reflect a coordinated effort to protect national stability and enforce accountability under terrorism laws.
The defendants have not yet entered formal pleas in court, while legal proceedings are expected to determine the strength of the allegations.
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