Attorney-General drags six suspects to court over alleged bid to topple government, terrorism financing, as ex-minister reportedly goes into hiding

The Federal Government has initiated high-stakes legal action against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and five others, filing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and related offences at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to court documents submitted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the defendants include two retired senior military officers, a serving police inspector, and other alleged collaborators accused of plotting to overthrow the Nigerian government.

Sylva, a prominent political figure, was listed among those charged but is reportedly at large, raising the stakes in what is shaping up to be a major national security case.

Prosecutors allege that the accused conspired in 2025 to destabilise the country and “levy war against the state”—a grave offence under Nigerian law. The charges also include failure to disclose critical security intelligence and money laundering tied to alleged terrorism financing.

Authorities say the case underscores a broader crackdown on threats to national stability, particularly those involving insider networks within the security architecture.

The matter is slated for arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where all eyes will be on the proceedings as the government pushes forward with prosecution.

The inclusion of high-profile names and security personnel has triggered widespread public attention, amplifying concerns over internal threats and the integrity of Nigeria’s security system.