Suspects confess role in planned plot to overthrow Tinubu govt

A number of individuals arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja in connection to an alleged coup plot against the government of President Bola Tinubu on Monday narrated their roles in the alleged plot.

They gave the narrative in a video evidence played in open court at the resumed trail of six suspected coup plotters wherein they offered statements about their roles in the alleged plot.

Following objections by the defence counsel that the statements were not made voluntarily, the judge directed that the recordings be played in open court for preview before they could be formally admitted in evidence.

In one of the videos played in court, retired Maj-Gen Mohammed Ibrahim Gana confirmed he was in a sound state of mind when he gave his statement to investigators.

Gana told the special investigative panel that he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived a quiet life, insisting he had no involvement in any act of indiscipline.

However, in the recording, he acknowledged that his name surfaced in connection with the alleged plot following a N2m transfer investigators linked to him.

He also admitted forwarding a document described as a coup-related speech to Col Maji, but maintained that he neither authored nor edited it, insisting he merely passed it on as received.

Investigators, however, were heard in the video suggesting that a coup speech recovered from Col Maji appeared to mirror the content of the document allegedly sent by Gana earlier.

He denied allegations that he conducted reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or participated in fundraising efforts, including claims that he sought billions of naira from former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.

Another video shown in court featured Navy Capt Erasmus Victor (retd.), who said he became aware of discussions about an alleged plan to overthrow the government after repeated complaints by Col Maji over delayed promotion.

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Victor stated that he advised against such actions and instead recommended retirement as a lawful option.

He, however, admitted in the recording that he was approached to support the alleged plan, including requests to assist in sourcing funds, with assurances that he would be considered for the position of Chief of Staff to the President if the plan succeeded.

Victor insisted he declined involvement, but confirmed he continued communication via a secure messaging platform where coded language was allegedly used.

He expressed regret in the video and appealed for clemency, saying he found himself in “the wrong situation at the wrong time.”

Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the State House, also featured prominently in the video evidence played in court.

He told investigators he was initially approached to assist Col Maji in securing promotion through official contacts.

According to his statement, discussions later shifted from promotion matters to alleged plans to overthrow the government.

He admitted receiving between N1.4m and N1.5m and said he participated in reconnaissance operations around the Presidential Villa.

The inspector said he took photographs of strategic areas, including the President’s residence and surrounding terrain, and discussed possible access routes.

He also confirmed that coded words such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used in conversations to refer to funding and operational discussions.

In another recording, Zekeri Umoru admitted linking Col Maji with contacts and escorting him and others around the Presidential Villa environment.

Umoru said he met Maji during Ramadan activities in 2025 and later became aware of discussions relating to an alleged coup plan.

He confirmed receiving money from Col Maji, including payments during Sallah and at his wedding ceremony, but insisted he did not believe the alleged plan would materialise.

He also admitted facilitating movements around sensitive locations, but maintained that his role was limited to introductions and logistics.

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