Nigeria’s Federal Government has filed a 13-count indictment against former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva and six others for alleged treason, terrorism, and plotting war against the state in 2025.
The charges, lodged before a Federal High Court in Abuja, accuse them of conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, failing to report known treasonous acts by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, and related money laundering.
Defendants and Arraignment
Named alongside Sylva—at large—are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
They face arraignment Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik; offenses fall under the Criminal Code and Terrorism Act. Sylva allegedly financed much of the plot via N785 million through Purple Waves Limited.
Prosecutors, led by AGF’s Rotimi Oyedepo, claim the group aimed to “overawe the President” without alerting authorities or preventing the scheme. Sylva, ex-Bayelsa governor, has fled abroad amid prior raids on his home and family arrests; he denies involvement.
