Alleged Coup Plot: Court Admits Video Evidence as Two Defendants Link Self to Plan, One Denies Involvement

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday admitted video recordings showing interviews of suspects standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The recordings, presented by the prosecution, captured three of the six defendants — Erasmus Victor, a retired Navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Mohammed Gana, a retired Major-General — during interrogation sessions.

While Victor and Ibrahim admitted having knowledge of discussions surrounding the alleged plot, Gana denied any involvement.

Trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overruled objections raised by defence counsel challenging the admissibility of the video evidence on grounds of involuntariness. The court, however, noted that a trial-within-trial would be conducted to determine the voluntariness of the statements.

In his submission, Gana maintained that although he knew the alleged mastermind, Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, he was unaware of any plan to topple the government.

“If I had knowledge of such a plot, I would have reported it,” he said, explaining that he had lived a quiet life since retiring from the Nigerian Army in 2010.

He admitted forwarding, via WhatsApp, a past coup speech and messages critical of the government but insisted he neither authored nor acted on them. He also denied involvement in any surveillance or financial support tied to the alleged conspiracy.

Victor, on his part, acknowledged being privy to conversations about overthrowing the government but claimed he advised against it.

According to him, Ma’aji had expressed frustration over delayed promotion and mentioned plans to destabilise the system — a move he said he discouraged.

Victor further revealed he was approached to provide financial support and logistics, including accommodation, with promises of political appointment if the plan succeeded. He said he declined but continued communicating with the suspect using coded messages on a secure platform.

“My association with him affected my judgment. Otherwise, I would have alerted authorities,” he admitted, expressing regret.

Ibrahim, a police officer attached to the State House, also confirmed initial discussions centered on facilitating Ma’aji’s promotion before shifting to the alleged coup plot.

He disclosed receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and conducting reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including photographing strategic locations and identifying access routes.

He further revealed that terms like “fertiliser” and “farming” were used as coded references for funding and operational plans.

However, Ibrahim downplayed his involvement, stating he did not take the plan seriously.

“I only played along because I believed it was impossible to breach the State House,” he said.

The prosecution maintained that all suspects were duly informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent, and that the recordings were made in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure transparency.

The matter, involving six defendants facing a 13-count charge, has been adjourned till Tuesday for continuation of hearing.