Nigeria Indicts Six for Terrorism, Treason in 2025 Coup Plot
Nigerian authorities have charged six military officers with terrorism and treason linked to a 2025 coup plot. Documents filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 21, 2026 set out a 13-count charge sheet.
The charges and suspects
The indictment names retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana. It also lists retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor.
Other accused are Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani. Prosecutors say they conspired to wage war against the state.
Alleged links and alleged mastermind
Authorities allege the suspects conspired to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. They also face counts alleging acts of terrorism and treason.
Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji has been identified in previous reports as the alleged mastermind. Former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva is accused of helping to conceal the plot and remains at large.
Arrests and official response
The six were among 16 officers detained in 2025 over alleged indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. Those earlier arrests fuelled rumours of a coup.
The government initially denied a plot existed. In January it said the military would try several officers for planning to overthrow the government.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently reshuffled the country’s top military generals. The six defendants were in custody as court proceedings moved forward.
Regional and historical context
Nigeria saw five coups during the 20th century. It has not experienced a coup since returning to formal democracy in 1999.
The alleged 2025 coup plot follows a regional surge in coups and attempted seizures of power. Benin and Guinea-Bissau saw recent unrest late last year, analysts say.
Experts link these events to disputed elections, constitutional crises, security breakdowns, and youth discontent. Those factors often precede military interventions.
Next steps
The Federal High Court in Abuja will handle the case under a 13-count charge sheet. Court dates and formal trial procedures are expected to follow.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the situation and report developments about the indictments, terrorism allegations, and treason charges.
