High-Profile Nigerians Charged With Terrorism, Treason In Abuja Court

The Nigerian government has brought serious charges against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, alleging a conspiracy to wage war against the nation and commit acts of terrorism.

The charges, a hefty 13-count indictment, were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, and the defendants are due to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday, 22nd April.

Those named in the charge sheet are retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, serving Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside civilians Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Notably, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also listed as a defendant, though authorities state he is currently at large.

The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and spearheaded by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges a wide range of offences. These include treason, terrorism, a failure to disclose vital security intelligence, and money laundering with links to the financing of terrorist activities.

According to the indictment, the accused allegedly conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” This offence carries a significant penalty under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Beyond the direct allegations of plotting insurrection, the government contends that the defendants were aware of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but deliberately failed to inform the relevant authorities.

The charge specifically states that, “knowing that a treasonable act was intended to be committed, [they] did not give information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President… or a peace officer.”

The seriousness of these accusations has sent ripples through the Nigerian political landscape. The inclusion of a former Minister and high-ranking military personnel raises significant questions about the extent and nature of the alleged conspiracy.

The court proceedings on Wednesday are expected to be closely watched, as the government seeks to present evidence supporting these grave charges. The whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, and whether he will appear to face the allegations remains a key point of interest. Further updates will follow as the case unfolds.