FG slams Sylva, ex-general, others with treason, terrorism

The Federal Government is set to arraign six individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday over allegations of treason, terrorism, and related financial crimes, in a case that highlights ongoing concerns around national security and institutional stability.

The defendants will be docked on a 13-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, was instituted on April 20 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

Those listed in the charge include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

Timipre Sylva, Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, is also named in the charge but is currently at large.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of conspiring in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian State, including plans allegedly aimed at levying war against the country to overawe the President—an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

Prosecutors further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to notify Authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent it.

In addition to treason, the charges extend to terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Government alleged that the defendants participated in activities intended to advance a political objective capable of destabilising Nigeria’s Constitutional order.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are specifically accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged activities, while all defendants are alleged to have provided support directly or indirectly and withheld critical intelligence from relevant Authorities.

The case also includes allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering. Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of retaining N50 million believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly held N2 million from similar sources. Zekeri Umoru is accused of receiving N10 million outside formal financial channels and retaining an additional N8.8 million, while Inspector Ibrahim allegedly handled N1 million linked to the scheme.

All financial-related charges were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Prosecutors describe the case as involving a network of security personnel, civilians, and a politically exposed individual, underscoring broader governance and security sector risks, as well as potential implications for investor confidence and economic stability.