A handwritten document recovered during investigations into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shows the conspirators had drafted a detailed structure for a replacement government, complete with ministerial positions and new agencies to be created after the planned overthrow.
The notebook, examined by Pointblanknews.com, outlined strategic appointments spanning security, justice and economic portfolios. At the top sat the position of "Leader of New Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief," with a "Vice President or Prime Minister" as second in command. Below that came the Chief of Army Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Attorney-General of the Federation, National Security Adviser, and senior EFCC and DSS posts.
The alleged plotters proposed establishing a "National Patriotic Ruling Council" modelled on Nigeria's defunct Armed Forces Ruling Council from the military era. This body would have served as the supreme decision-making authority in the new regime. The documents also detailed plans for entirely new agencies: a National Religion Regulatory Agency, National Infrastructure Development Maintenance Agency, and Nigerian Internal Security Committee.
Beyond the political structure, the conspirators sketched out policy priorities. They planned committees to review the controversial removal of petroleum subsidy and another to examine salaries and benefits for military and security personnel. The armed forces themselves were to be reorganised into six command zones, each with three General Officers Commanding.
The proposed administration allocated positions using federal character principles. The Vice President slot was zoned to the South East; Secretary to the Government and Defence Minister to the South West; Attorney-General and Chief of Defence Staff to the South South; National Security Adviser to the North West; EFCC Chairman to the North East; and the DSS Director-General and Inspector-General of Police to the North Central. The document also proposed merging the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Security sources believe these handwritten notes formed part of the operational framework for the alleged conspiracy. The Federal Government announced the plot's discovery in January 2026, leading to arrests and detention of multiple suspects across military, police and civilian ranks.
Six people currently face treason and terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja: retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was also named in court documents as allegedly linked to the plot. Prosecutors say Sylva remains at large.
Court filings accuse the defendants of conspiring to "levy war against the state" and attempting to destabilise the democratically elected government through unconstitutional means. The charges include treason, terrorism, conspiracy and alleged terrorism-related offences.
The trial continues before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Further court hearings are scheduled to examine additional evidence and witness testimonies from security agencies involved in the investigation.
