Coup Trial: Two Admit Plot Awareness, One Denies
A Federal High Court in Abuja has viewed video recordings of investigators’ interview sessions with three of the six men standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with two defendants admitting awareness of the conspiracy while a third denied any knowledge.
The recordings, contained in a hard disc tendered by the prosecution, were played in open court before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik despite objections from defence lawyers, who argued their clients did not make the statements voluntarily and that the recordings had yet to be admitted in evidence.
Justice Abdulmalik overruled the objections, noting it was standard practice, and indicated that a trial-within-trial would later be conducted to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
Retired Major General Mohammed Gana, who served as Chief of Defence Logistics before retiring in 2010, told investigators he knew the alleged mastermind, identified as Colonel Ma’aji, but was unaware of any coup plan. He admitted sharing a coup speech and anti-government messages via WhatsApp but said he only forwarded content as received. Gana denied conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or participating in fundraising efforts linked to the alleged plot.
Retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the overthrow plot but said he did not report it due to their personal relationship. He said Ma’aji had expressed frustration over his stalled promotion and spoke of overthrowing the government “out of anger.” Victor said he advised against it and declined requests for financial support or logistical assistance, but acknowledged using a secure messaging platform and coded language in subsequent communications.
Visibly remorseful during the session, Victor appealed for clemency, saying, “I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” and drew a comparison with government amnesty extended to repentant militants, arguing he deserved similar consideration given his meritorious service.
Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators that initial discussions with Ma’aji concerned facilitating a promotion before shifting to the alleged overthrow plan. Ibrahim admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million, conducting reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa including Aguda House, photographing access routes, and using coded terms — “fertiliser” for funding and “farming” for the alleged operation. He maintained his involvement was driven by poor judgment rather than genuine commitment to the plot, insisting he believed it could never succeed.
Investigators noted at the start of each session that audio-visual recording was conducted in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure statements were made without coercion or inducement, and that defendants were informed of their right to remain silent.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, May 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.