The Federal Government has presented video recordings before the Federal High Court in Abuja in its ongoing prosecution of individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The footage, tendered in court as evidence on Monday, May 4, reportedly captured some of the defendants explaining their roles during interrogation by investigators.
Those standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, alongside three others lll Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Also mentioned in the charge is former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who is said to have left the country before the alleged plot was uncovered.
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During proceedings, the prosecution played segments of the video in court. In one clip, retired Maj. Gen. Gana denied involvement in the alleged plot, stating that he had lived a quiet life since leaving military service in 2010.
He acknowledged knowing the alleged mastermind, identified as Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, but maintained that he was unaware of any coup plan.
According to him, had he been informed, he would have reported the matter to authorities.
Gana also admitted receiving a transfer of ₦2 million, which investigators traced to him, and confirmed forwarding certain messages and a past coup speech via WhatsApp.
However, he insisted he neither authored nor modified the materials.
When confronted with claims that the speech recovered from Ma’aji bore similarities to those he shared, he maintained ignorance of any connection. He further denied participating in reconnaissance activities or efforts to raise funds for the alleged operation.
In another video segment, retired Naval Captain Victor admitted being aware of discussions about overthrowing the government but said he discouraged the idea.
He explained that his relationship with the alleged mastermind influenced his failure to report the matter. According to him, Ma’aji had expressed frustration over stalled promotion and “out of anger, said he wanted to overthrow the system.”
Victor stated that he advised Ma’aji against such action and suggested retirement instead.
He also disclosed that he was approached for financial assistance and logistical support, with promises of a future appointment if the plan succeeded.
Despite declining involvement, Victor admitted maintaining communication with the suspect through a secure messaging platform and acknowledged that coded language was used during discussions.
Expressing regret over his actions, he said: “I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation. I am pleading for clemency.”
He added that his situation was comparable to “being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” arguing that his years of service should be considered.
Police Inspector Ibrahim, who is attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially contacted to assist with facilitating the promotion of the alleged mastermind through his connections.
He said conversations later shifted toward plans to topple the government. Ibrahim admitted receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa.
He revealed that he took photographs of key locations, including the President’s residence and nearby areas, while also discussing possible entry routes.
According to him, terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used as code for funding and operational plans.
However, Ibrahim claimed his involvement was influenced by personal relationships and poor judgment. He insisted he did not believe the plan could succeed, noting that access to the State House would have been impossible.
Earlier in the hearing, defence counsel challenged the admissibility of the video recordings, arguing that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily.
The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed the objection and ruled that a trial-within-trial would be conducted to determine the voluntariness of the confessions.
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday for continuation of proceedings.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in September 2025 to “levy war against the state” in a bid to destabilise the government.
They are also accused of failing to report knowledge of a planned coup and not taking reasonable steps to prevent it.
Additionally, the charges include offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on April 22, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending further hearings.
