2 defendants admit knowledge of coup attempt against Tinubu in video recordings

Two of the six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu admitted on Monday that they knew about the alleged coup plot. The defendants made the admission in video recordings played at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The recordings, contained in a hard drive presented by the prosecution, […]

Two of the six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu admitted on Monday that they knew about the alleged coup plot.
The defendants made the admission in video recordings played at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The recordings, contained in a hard drive presented by the prosecution, captured separate interview sessions with three defendants – Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired Navy captain, Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector, and Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major-general.
In the footage, Mr Victor and Mr Ibrahim admitted they were aware of the alleged plot but did not report it. Mr Gana denied any knowledge.
The remaining defendants, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, were not featured in the video playback.
During Monday’s proceedings, the court gave permission to the prosecution to play video recordings of interviews.
In his session, Mr Victor, the retired Navy captain, said he knew the alleged mastermind, M. A. Ma’aji, a serving colonel, and was aware of discussions about overthrowing the government.
He said the officer complained about stalled promotion and expressed anger at the system. Mr Victor said he advised him against such a move.
He also admitted he was asked to provide financial support, help raise funds, and assist in securing accommodation for the plotters, with a promise of an appointment if the plan succeeded.
Mr Victor said he declined involvement but maintained communication through a secure messaging platform where coded language was used. He said he did not take part in any operation.
He admitted he failed to report the plot due to his relationship with the principal suspect and expressed regrets.
Mr Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the State House, said he was first approached to help facilitate the officer’s promotion. He said discussions later shifted to plans to overthrow the government.
He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and taking part in reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.
He said he took photographs of parts of the villa and discussed possible access routes. He also confirmed that terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used as code for funding and the operation.
Mr Ibrahim said his actions stemmed from poor judgment linked to his relationship with the suspect. He added that he did not believe the plan could succeed.
However, Mr Gana denied any involvement. He said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 and had lived a quiet life since then.
He admitted knowing Mr Ma’aji and said he was aware that the officer had issues with promotion. He said he did not know of any coup plan and would have reported it if he did.
Mr Gana also said investigators linked him to a N2 million transfer. He admitted forwarding a coup speech and some anti-government messages on WhatsApp, but said he did not originate them.
He denied taking part in reconnaissance or efforts to raise funds. The judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned further hearing until Tuesday, 5 May. (Premium Times)