Six Men Face Treason, Terror Charges in Abuja Over Alleged Coup Plot

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday arraigned six men accused of trying to topple the Nigerian government. The men are facing 13 counts covering treason, terrorism, and money laundering.

Those charged are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. They all pleaded not guilty in court.

Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi led the government’s lawyers. He asked the court to keep the accused in DSS custody and to fast-track the case.

Defence counsel Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, told the judge they had filed a bail application for Gana and needed time to argue it. The lawyers also said they had struggled to see their clients since the arrest. In response, Fagbemi said, “I can assure you that your right to speak with your clients will not be denied.”

Justice Abdulmalik approved an accelerated hearing. However, he sent the six men to prison instead of DSS custody. He also ordered prison officials to give the defendants access to their lawyers to prepare their defence. Trial will begin on April 27.

Court papers marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 claim the men conspired to “levy war against the state to overawe the President,” an offence under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors say the accused knew about the plan to commit treason but failed to report it quickly to the President or police. They also allegedly made no effort to stop it.

The six are further charged under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, for allegedly planning acts of terrorism in Nigeria. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are said to have attended meetings aimed at pushing a political agenda that could “seriously destabilise” Nigeria’s government. The charge adds that the men gave indirect support to terrorism and withheld information that could have prevented the acts.

On the money laundering counts, brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of holding N50 million linked to terrorism financing. Abdulkadir Sani allegedly kept N2 million from the same scheme. Zekeri Umoru allegedly collected N10 million in cash outside a bank and held another N8.8 million. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim is accused of handling N1 million connected to the plot.

The six men will stay in prison until trial resumes on April 27.

Source: News Digest

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