FG Files 13-Count Treason Charge Against Alleged Coup Plotters; Timipre Sylva’s Brother Listed

The federal government has formally charged seven individuals with treason and terrorism over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The arraignment is set to begin Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Among those named is Paganengigha Anagha, the younger brother of former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva. Sylva himself is listed as at large in the charge sheet.

The 13-count charge, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation Rotimi Oyedepo, accuses the defendants of conspiring to levy war against the Nigerian state in 2025. The offences carry penalties under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The other defendants include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

Beyond treason, the charge sheet alleges terrorism-related offences, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. Specific defendants are accused of handling sums ranging from N1 million to N50 million traced to the alleged plot.

The case will be heard by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The prosecution describes the alleged network as involving security personnel, civilians, and a politically exposed individual connected to activities threatening national security.

Sources: GazetteNGR, Observers Times, Opinion Nigeria