By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted an application for accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The judge fixed April 29, 2026, as the next sitting date, with additional dates set for April 30, May 4, and May 5 to ensure swift adjudication of the matter. The six defendants retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani are facing a 13-count charge in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026.
They are accused of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to levy war against the state with the aim of overthrowing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. It was further alleged that the suspects had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to report it to the appropriate authorities.
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A seventh suspect, former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, is said to be at large. During proceedings on Monday, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that prosecution witnesses were ready to proceed, subject to the court’s schedule. Counsel to the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, requested an immediate hearing of his client’s bail application, but Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the substantive trial must commence before any bail applications would be entertained.
Lawyers to the second, third, and sixth defendants Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri raised concerns over the short notice and the complexity of the case. The judge, however, directed all parties to agree on suitable dates and subsequently fixed the accelerated hearing for the four consecutive days beginning April 29. Retired General Gana was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair due to ill health and advanced age.
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The case has attracted significant public interest as it touches on national security and alleged attempts to undermine the democratic government.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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