ALLEGED COUP PLOT: COURT PLAYS VIDEO CONFESSIONS AS TRIAL OF SIX SUSPECTS TAKES DRAMATIC TURN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Proceedings in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu took a dramatic turn on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as video recordings containing alleged admissions by the defendants were played in open court.

The court had earlier ordered that the recordings be previewed before formal admission into evidence, following objections by defence counsel who argued that the statements were not voluntarily made.

In one of the videos, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana stated that he was in a sound state of mind when he made his statement to investigators. He told the panel that he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived a quiet life, denying involvement in any act of indiscipline.

However, he acknowledged that his name surfaced in connection with the alleged plot after investigators traced a N2 million transfer to him. Gana also admitted forwarding a document described as a coup-related speech to Col. Mohammed Maji but insisted he neither authored nor edited it.

Another video featured retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, who said he became aware of discussions about the alleged plot following complaints by Col. Maji over delayed promotion. Victor said he advised against any unlawful action and suggested retirement instead.

He, however, admitted being approached to support the plan, including sourcing funds, with assurances of being appointed Chief of Staff if the plot succeeded. He maintained that he declined involvement but confirmed ongoing communication through a secure messaging platform using coded language. He also expressed regret, describing himself as being in “the wrong situation at the wrong time.”

Also featured in the recordings was Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the State House. He told investigators he was initially contacted to assist with facilitating a promotion request for Col. Maji, but discussions later shifted to plans to overthrow the government.

The officer admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including taking photographs of strategic locations and identifying access routes. He further revealed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were allegedly used to discuss funding and operations.

In another recording, Zekeri Umoru admitted linking Col. Maji with contacts and escorting him around the Presidential Villa area. He confirmed receiving money from Maji during festive periods but insisted he did not believe any alleged coup plan would materialise.

Umoru acknowledged facilitating movements in sensitive locations but maintained his role was limited to introductions and logistics.

At a previous hearing, a prosecution witness, an army officer, told the court that intelligence reports led to the arrest of Col. Mohammed Maji, whose devices allegedly contained operational plans, target lists, and proposed post-coup arrangements.

The trial continues as the court considers the admissibility of the video evidence and hears further testimonies related to the alleged conspiracy.