News
FG files charges against alleged coup plotters arrested by DSS
The Federal government has filed a 13-count charge against seven persons linked to an alleged plot to forcefully overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, terrorize the citizens, and sack democratic governance.
Six of the alleged coup plotters were nabbed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The seventh, former Governor Timpre Sylva of Bayelsa State, is on the run and is being tried in absentia.
In the suit filed on behalf of the Federal government by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana,
retired Navy Captain Victor Erasmus Ochegobia, a former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timpre Sylva, a serving police Inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim. The others are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The charges filed against them include treasonable felony, conspiracy to overthrow the government, conspiracy to commit terrorism and other offenses related to national security threats.
The charges are:
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and
others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, conspired with one another to levy war against the state
to overawe the President of the Federal Republic o f Nigeria and thereby
committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the code cap 38 LFN 2004.
COUNT 2
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and
others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, knowing that COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN
MA’AJI (N/10668) and others intended to commit treason, did not give
the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or a Peace Officer and thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40(b) of the Criminal
Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.
COUNT 3
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large) and
others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable Court, knowing that COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN
MA AJI (N/10668), and others intended to commit treason, did not use
any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence and
thereby committed an offence contrary t o and punishable under Section
40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C 38 (LFN) 2004.
COUNT 4
MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN
(NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED
IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONEy
ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honorable court conspired with one another to commit an act of Terrorism Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 5
That you, INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM (AP 776373) AND ZEKERI
UMORU, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously
destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
knowingly participated in meetings connected with an act of terrorism and
thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections
2(3)(d) and 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 6
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and indirectly, rendered support to COLONEL
MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668) and others, to commit an act of terrorism, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13(1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 7
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information which you knew would be o f material assistance in preventing the commission o f the act o f terrorism by COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), and others, failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable, and
thereby committed a n offence contrary to and punishable under Section 16(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 8
That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA – (RTD),
CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR – (RTD), INSPECTOR
AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM
GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information which you knew would be of material assistance in
securing the apprehension of COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), and others for a n offence o f terrorism, failed to disclose the information t o the relevant agency as soon as practicable, and
thereby committed a n offence contrary t o and punishable under Section 16(1)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
COUNT 9
That you, ABDULKADIR SANI, on o r about the 23rd day of September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) only in
your Jaiz Bank Account Number 0005620270 from A & A Express Link
Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the
proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 1 8 (3) of the same Act.
COUNT 10
That you, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, in September, 2025, In Abuja, with in
the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira) only in your First Barık Account Number 3021511166 from A & A Express Link Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of
u n unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) o f the
same Act.
COUNT 1 1
That you, ZEKERI UMORU, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the
Jurisdiction o f this Honorable Court, without going through a financial
institution accepted a cash payment o f the sum o f N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only from Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Maa’aji and thereby committed an offence contrary t o Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d)
o f the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) o f the same Act.
COUNT 12
That you, ZEKERI UMORU, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N8,800,000.00 (Eight Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira)
only in your Zenith Bank PIc Account Number 2006041878, which sum you
reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed a n offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) o f the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) o f the same Act.
COUNT 13
That you, INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction o f this Honorable Court, directly took possession of the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) only from COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), which sum you reasonably
ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
A United Kingdom-based Nigerian man, identified on X as Ugo (@heismric), has confirmed the end of his marriage after publicly alleging that his wife was involved in infidelity while he was working abroad and funding her education and family life.
Ugo, who shared a series of emotional posts that later went viral, said the marriage has now been officially dissolved, adding that he received confirmation of the final order from the UK courts.
The couple’s relationship had previously been widely admired online.
According to him, the relationship began with a proposal in January 2023, followed by marriage in December 2023. They later welcomed a child in 2024, after which he relocated his wife to the United Kingdom.
He claimed he took full responsibility for the family’s financial needs, including paying her school fees and supporting her throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
He also said he went as far as developing digital applications to support her well-being and their child, describing his efforts as part of his commitment to building a stable home.
After the birth of their child, he reportedly bought her a car as a “push gift,” a gesture that was widely shared online at the time as a sign of affection.
However, the relationship later deteriorated following allegations of infidelity. In now-deleted posts, Ugo accused his wife of bringing another man into their home while he was working in the United Kingdom.
In one of the viral tweets, he wrote, ”It’s crazy you’re in my house, sleeping with another man, but I’m in London working my ass out to pay your school fees in GBP. No! Send your tuition to that man. He’s man enough to sleep with another man’s wife; he should match it with his funds. Divorce finalised, gtf.”
He also alleged that members of his wife’s family did not condemn the situation, but instead continued to demand financial support for her education.
“Because her family didn’t see anything wrong in it, but have the audacity to ask me about her tuition. Also I know the man, and his stupid ass is on my Instagram and X viewing my posts. Talking about, ‘I miss you, when am I seeing you again’ while she responds ‘as you should,’” he further wrote.
As the story gained traction online, reactions were divided, with some users sympathising with him while others criticised him for airing private marital issues on social media.
Some also revisited his earlier posts showing public displays of affection, noting that he had frequently expressed love for his wife online, while she maintained a relatively low public profile.
In a follow-up post on Monday confirming the separation, Ugo wrote,”UGO’s wife. Divorce is finalised. It’s ex-wife.”
He later shared a screenshot of an official divorce notification from the UK HM Courts and Tribunals Service, confirming that the final order had been granted, thereby legally ending the marriage.
The Special Adviser to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, on Media and Publicity, Valentine Obienyem, has argued that politicians who allegedly benefited from Obi’s political popularity in 2023 before defecting to other parties should not be allowed back into the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obienyem, in an opinion article titled “Why Political Opportunists Must Not Be Allowed to Run Again,” said some politicians secured elective positions during the “Peter Obi wave” of 2022 despite having little independent electoral prospects, only to abandon the political movement shortly after assuming office.
According to him, a number of elected officials rode on Obi’s political momentum to win elections before defecting to the ruling party, while a few others remained loyal and moved alongside the former presidential candidate through successive political transitions.
“During the Peter Obi wave in 2022, many individuals — some of whom never realistically had prospects of electoral victory — secured positions largely on the strength of his popularity and political momentum,” Obienyem stated.
I
He added: “Shortly after settling into offices, several of them defected to other political parties. A few, however, recognizing the pivotal role Obi played in their electoral success remained with him. This explains why some have consistently moved with him from the Labour Party to the ADC and subsequently to the NDC. This pattern is often described as ‘following your leader.’”
The presidential aide argued that some of those who defected to the ruling party were now seeking a return to the NDC as another election cycle approaches, alleging that their interest was driven by the desire to benefit again from Obi’s political influence.
“Now, as another election cycle approaches, some of those who previously defected to the APC are either returning to the NDC or signaling intentions to return. Their primary motivation is the desire to once again ride on Obi’s political influence,” he said.
Describing such actions as political opportunism, Obienyem maintained that the NDC should resist granting party tickets to politicians who had previously abandoned the movement.
“This behaviour suggests a tendency to treat Obi as a mere political instrument — useful when advantageous and discarded when convenient. That is not a principled way to follow a leader,” he stated.
He further argued that defectors who left previous political platforms should not be allowed to displace longstanding party members, warning that repeated defections could weaken party cohesion and ideological consistency.
“We cannot continue to indulge opportunism in the name of political strategy,” he said, adding that individuals who felt “betrayed” by their former parties should seek alternative platforms if they believed they retained electoral value independently.
Obienyem listed three senators — Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Kelvin Chukwu and Neda Imasuen — among lawmakers he said defected after benefiting from Obi’s support base.
He also named 16 members of the House of Representatives, including Joshua Chinedu Obika, Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, Bassey Akiba, Ngozi Okolie and others, as politicians who should not be considered for return tickets under the NDC.
The comments signal growing internal debate over loyalty, defections and candidate selection within opposition politics as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
At least 10 people have been killed after suspected bandits ambushed a convoy along the Gusau–Magami–Dansadau Road in Zamfara State.
Several others are injured in the attack, while an unspecified number of passengers are reportedly abducted by the gunmen.
Eyewitnesses say the incident occurs between 4pm and 5pm as vigilante operatives escort residents travelling through the route, considered one of the state’s most dangerous highways.
The attackers reportedly open fire on the convoy, triggering panic among travellers and security volunteers.
Those killed include five traders, three local hunters and a member of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG).
The injured victims are initially taken to Magami General Hospital for treatment before arrangements are made for their referral to Gusau for further medical care.
However, hospital sources say the victims remain stranded in Magami because there is no available security escort to facilitate their movement safely.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as insecurity continues to plague several communities across Zamfara State.
-
News17 hours agoUK-based Nigerian divorces wife after viral cheating allegation
-
News3 days ago
Husband, wife shot dead in Kebbi, police launch manhunt for suspects
-
News3 days ago
Gunmen invade Kwara TCN power substation, hold workers hostage
-
News1 day ago
Enugu Govt, Police nab woman for allegedly beating stepdaughter to death
-
News2 days ago
Gov Mbah Eulogises Jim Nwobodo at 86, Describes him as an Uncommon Icon
-
News21 hours ago
10 feared dead as gunmen attack convoy in Zamfara
-
News19 hours ago
Three senators, 16 Reps members who betrayed Obi and should be rejected by NDC — Obi’s aide
