Alleged coup: Villa worker admits links to plot, denies full knowledge

A worker at the Presidential Villa, Zekeri Umoru, has admitted to contacts with individuals linked to an alleged 2025 plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, but insists he was unaware of any concrete coup plan.

Umoru, the fourth defendant in the ongoing trial, made the disclosure in a video-recorded extra-judicial statement presented in court. He is employed in the maintenance department at the Villa through Julius Berger Nigeria.

According to his statement, he was introduced to the network by Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the Presidential Clinic, who connected him to a man later identified as Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji.”

Umoru said he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian offering him electrical work, noting that he received several cash payments from him. He told investigators that one of the transactions involved a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing ₦8.8 million, which he deposited in a bank, while another ₦2 million was later handed over through Ibrahim.

He said he became suspicious over time and sought clarification, claiming Ibrahim told him the group was planning to “sanitize the government” due to dissatisfaction with the state of the country.

The defendant also recounted escorting one of the associates, identified as Usman, into the Presidential Villa, where he later cautioned him for taking photographs within his office.

Despite these interactions, Umoru maintained that he never knowingly participated in any coup plot and would have distanced himself had he known the true identities or intentions of those involved.

He expressed regret during the statement, apologised to his employers, and reaffirmed support for the Tinubu administration.

In a related development, the court also reviewed a video statement from an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied any involvement, stating that funds he received from the same source were strictly for prayers and charitable activities.

However, investigators highlighted discrepancies in his claims, pointing to financial records showing multiple transfers running into millions of naira.

Following the proceedings, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.