From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government, on Monday, tendered video evidence before the Federal High Court in Abuja in a significant development in the ongoing trial of six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The video recordings, played in open court, captured interview sessions between investigators and some of the defendants, providing insight into their alleged roles in the botched coup plot. The evidence was presented in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, which borders on allegations of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to the alleged conspiracy.
The defendants standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Also mentioned in the charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation is former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large after allegedly leaving the country before the plot was uncovered.
At the resumed proceedings, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court admitted the playing of the recordings despite objections from defence counsel. The lawyers had argued that their clients’ statements were not made voluntarily and should not be played before being formally admitted as evidence.
Justice Abdulmalik, however, overruled the objections, describing the move as standard judicial practice. She noted the concerns raised by the defence and assured that a trial-within-trial would be conducted to determine the voluntariness of the statements.
In the recordings, two of the defendants, including retired Naval Captain Victor and Inspector Ibrahim, admitted being aware of the alleged coup plot, while Maj. Gen. Gana denied any involvement or prior knowledge.
Gana told investigators that he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived a quiet life. He acknowledged knowing the alleged coordinator of the plot, Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, but insisted he was unaware of any plan to overthrow the government.
According to him, Ma’aji had expressed frustration over a stalled promotion and, “out of anger,” made comments about overthrowing the system. Gana maintained that had he been aware of any concrete plan, he would have reported it to the relevant authorities.
He further explained that his name surfaced during investigations after a N2 million transfer was linked to him. While admitting to sharing via WhatsApp a coup speech previously read by Joshua Dongayaro, as well as forwarding messages containing anti-government rhetoric, he insisted he neither authored nor edited the materials.
The retired general also denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or participating in fundraising efforts for the alleged plot.
In contrast, retired Captain Victor admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the plot but said he failed to report it due to their personal relationship. He stated that he advised against such action and suggested retirement instead.
Victor disclosed that he was approached to provide financial support, assist in raising funds, and help secure accommodation for the operation, with promises of a political appointment if the plot succeeded. He said he declined involvement but continued communication with the alleged mastermind through a secure platform using coded language.
Expressing regret, he described his situation as “being in the wrong place at the wrong time” and pleaded for clemency.
Inspector Ibrahim, attached to the State House, admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. He told investigators that he took photographs of strategic areas, including the President’s residence and surrounding terrain, and discussed possible access routes.
He also confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used to refer to funding and operational plans. However, he maintained that his involvement was influenced by poor judgement and his relationship with the principal suspect, adding that he did not believe the plot could succeed.
Investigators noted that the recordings were made to ensure transparency and confirm that the defendants’ statements were given voluntarily, without coercion, torture, or inducement. The defendants were also informed of their right to remain silent.
The Federal Government alleged that the defendants, sometime in September 2025, conspired to levy war against the state to overawe the President, contrary to Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. It further accused them of failing to disclose intelligence about the planned coup and not taking reasonable steps to prevent it.
Additional charges relate to terrorism offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge upon their arraignment on April 22, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday for continuation of hearing, including a trial-within-trial to determine the admissibility of the contested video evidence.
