Six defendants on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism and coup plotting before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants were arraigned in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, with the prosecution led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The report that the defendants, including Maj Gen Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd.), Capt (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd.), Insp Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani are facing charges of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism and attempting to “levy war” against the Nigerian state.
A former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, is also listed in the charge as being at large.
Count one of the charges read, “That you, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana – (RTD), Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor – (RTD), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (AP776373), Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, Abdulkadir Sani, Timipre Sylva (still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.”
They were further accused of failing to disclose intelligence relating to the alleged plot and not taking steps to prevent its execution despite having knowledge of plans involving other alleged conspirators.
Proceedings commenced at about 1:46 pm, with the AGF informing the court that the charge was ready and applying for it to be read to the defendants.