Treason Trial: Retired Generals, Police Inspector Arraigned Over Plot to Oust Tinubu

ABUJA — The Federal Government yesterday formally arraigned six high-profile suspects, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged conspiracy to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

​The defendants—Maj-Gen. Mohammed Gana (rtd), Navy Capt. Erasmus Victor (rtd), Insp. Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—face a 13-count charge encompassing treason, terrorism, and money laundering. Also implicated in the charge sheet, though currently at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

​The Charges: War, Wealth, and Whispers

​Led by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the prosecution alleges that the group conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state.” Beyond the physical plot, the government detailed a trail of “terrorism financing” involving millions of naira.

​According to the charge (FHC/ABJ/206/2026), Bukar Goni was found with ₦50 million linked to the scheme, while Zekeri Umoru reportedly moved ₦10 million in cash outside the banking system. The prosecution further alleged the defendants held clandestine meetings to advance a political ideology aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s constitutional order.

​All six defendants pleaded not guilty before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

​End of Incommunicado Detention

​The arraignment follows months of mounting pressure from human rights groups and the families of the accused. In a notable shift, the military confirmed yesterday that lawyers and family members have finally been granted access to the suspects at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) facility.

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​This move follows a series of protests, including a demonstration at the National Assembly by the wives of the detained officers, who had decried their husbands being held incommunicado since October 2025.

​The “Zaria Connection” and Judicial Rebuke

​The trial also shed light on the detention of Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Zaria. The Sheikh was recently released for trial following a scathing ruling by Justice Lifu, who lambasted the DIA for placing itself “above the laws of the land.” Zaria had been detained since December after ₦2 million from an indicted plotter was traced to his bank account.

​Next Steps

​Justice Abdulmalik ordered the defendants to remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and adjourned the matter until April 27, 2026, for the commencement of an accelerated trial.

​The proceedings mark the most significant treason trial in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, coming months after the Defence Headquarters first confirmed a foiled “breach of security” by military personnel in January.