FG slams 13-count treason, terrorism charges against ex-minister Sylva, six others over alleged

By Chisom Adaeze

The Federal Government has escalated its crackdown on alleged threats to national security, filing a 13-count charge against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and six others over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and destabilise the government.

The charges, filed before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, mark one of the most high-profile treason cases in recent years, drawing attention to growing concerns over internal security and elite involvement in alleged subversive activities.

Also named in the suit are Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. The defendants are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Alleged Plot to Undermine the State

According to the charge sheet filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

Prosecutors claim the group planned actions intended to “levy war against the state” and “overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Nigerian law.

At the centre of the allegations is an alleged conspiracy involving a serving military officer, Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, and others said to be key actors in the purported plot.

The Federal Government maintains that the accused not only participated in the conspiracy but also had prior knowledge of treasonable acts and failed to report them to the appropriate authorities.

Failure to Disclose Intelligence

One of the critical components of the charge borders on the alleged suppression of vital security intelligence.

The prosecution argued that the defendants, despite being aware of plans that could threaten national stability, failed to alert either the President or relevant security agencies in a timely manner.

The charge states that the accused “did not give the information with all reasonable despatch,” thereby breaching legal obligations tied to national security.

In addition, they are accused of failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the execution of the alleged plot, raising serious questions about accountability among individuals with security or institutional responsibilities.

Terrorism and Financial Allegations

Beyond treason, the Federal Government is also prosecuting the defendants under the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charges allege that the group conspired to commit acts of terrorism within Nigeria, further deepening the gravity of the case.

Prosecutors claim that the defendants possessed information that could have prevented terrorist activities but deliberately withheld it from authorities.

The case also extends into financial territory, with allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering. According to the charge, some of the defendants were involved in handling funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to the alleged plot.

Legal and Political Implications

The case is expected to test the strength of Nigeria’s legal framework on treason and terrorism, particularly in relation to high-profile political and military figures.

Legal analysts say the prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to secure convictions, given the weight of the accusations and the stature of those involved.

For the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the trial signals a firm stance on national security and a warning against any form of insurrection or covert attempts to destabilise the government.

What Comes Next

All eyes will be on the Abuja court as proceedings begin, with the arraignment expected to set the tone for what could become a lengthy and closely watched legal battle.

If convicted, the defendants could face severe penalties under Nigerian law, including long-term imprisonment.

The development adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s security discourse, raising concerns about internal threats and the role of influential actors in alleged destabilisation efforts.

As the case unfolds, it is likely to generate significant political, legal, and public interest across the country.