On Thursday, the Nigerian Army told the Federal High Court in Abuja that it uncovered a planned attempt to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Providing details of its investigation and the individuals allegedly involved, the military witness, whose identity was concealed by court order, testified as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial.

The officer, identified only as “AAA,” said he participated in the investigation that led to the arrest of six suspects accused of masterminding the alleged coup.

Those facing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others — Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

Speaking during the proceedings, the prosecution also mentioned former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, who is alleged to have fled the country before the plot was uncovered.

Led in evidence by Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness confirmed that the suspects were linked to a wider network involving serving and retired security personnel as well as civilians.

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According to the testimony, the probe began after the Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence suggesting that a group led by Colonel M. A. Ma’aji was planning to topple the government.

The witness explained that the intelligence report was carefully analysed and deemed credible, prompting a directive for a full-scale investigation.

He told the court that the team arrested Colonel Ma’aji and recovered key items, including a Samsung Galaxy phone and a handwritten notebook.

“Inside the jotter, we also found information about political and structural changes that were to be made upon the execution of the coup,” the witness added.

Further analysis of the phone, he said, revealed communications and materials connecting the suspects to the alleged plot.

“We also found financial trails between Ma’aji, former Governor Timipre Sylva and some of the defendants here before the court.

“Also, inside the phone, we found code words known among the plotters, including some of the defendants before this court.

“We also observed financial trails between some of the defendants and Col. M. A. Ma’aji. Monies were paid to some of the defendants in pursuit of the coup plot,” the witness added.

The investigation also uncovered the use of a company, Purple Wave, which the Army said served as a channel for funding the alleged operation. Financial records obtained with assistance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) showed multiple large transactions over a short period in September and October 2025.

Although the transactions were labelled for legitimate purposes, investigators concluded that the funds were diverted to support the alleged coup.

The court heard that meetings tied to the plot were held at various locations in Abuja, including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel, where discussions reportedly centred on removing the government.

“They discussed negative things about the government and concluded that there was a need for regime change,” the witness added.

He further stated that the suspects allegedly mapped out targets and strategies, including plans to attack military facilities and take control of key routes.

“The plotters also shared appointments among themselves, including agencies to be set up and those to be merged after the coup.

“The plotters also did extensive consultation and divination, in which some of the defendants took part, knowing that a coup was ongoing. They received money for these purposes.

“They also bought vehicles, which were recovered from shops where they were being retrofitted for kinetic purposes.”

Evidence presented in court included financial documents, hotel receipts, and digital extracts from the seized phone. A flash drive containing video recordings of statements made by the defendants was also tendered, though defence counsel objected to its admissibility.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted several of the documents while directing that others be properly served on the defence before further consideration.

Earlier, the court granted a request by the Federal Government to shield the identities of certain witnesses due to the sensitive nature of the case.

Defence lawyers, while not opposing the application outright, argued that complete anonymity could undermine the defendants’ right to a fair trial. They urged the court to strike a balance between security concerns and transparency.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik upheld the prosecution’s request, noting that the law allows protective measures in cases involving national security.

The defendants are facing multiple charges, including treason, terrorism, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that they conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state and failed to report intelligence about the alleged plot.

All six defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending further hearings, which have been adjourned to May 4 and 5.