Video evidence shows two suspects admitted knowledge of plot to overthrow Tinubu

Two suspects standing trial over an alleged plot to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government on Monday admitted in video recordings played at the Federal High Court in Abuja that they had prior knowledge of the conspiracy.

The recordings, tendered by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) in a hard disc admitted as evidence, captured the investigative interviews of retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, the 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Defence lawyers initially objected to both the admissibility of the recordings and their being played in open court before formal admission in evidence, arguing their clients did not make the statements voluntarily. Justice Abdulmalik overruled the objections and ordered the recordings played, noting it was standard practice. She indicated, however, that a trial-within-trial could be conducted to test the voluntariness of the statements.

The first recording played was that of retired Major General Mohammed Gana, who told investigators he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived quietly. Gana said he knew the alleged mastermind of the plot, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, and was aware the officer had grievances over his promotion, but maintained he had no knowledge of any coup plan. He said had he known, he would have reported it.

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Gana acknowledged that a N2 million transfer investigators linked to him was among the circumstances that drew his name into the case. He also admitted forwarding through WhatsApp a copy of a coup speech delivered by Joshua Dongayaro during a previous military takeover in Nigeria, as well as other messages containing anti-government rhetoric, insisting he merely passed on materials as received without editing or originating any of them. He denied allegations that he conducted reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa, participated in fundraising for the plot, or sourced billions of naira from a former governor.

In his recorded interview, the 2nd defendant, Victor, admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the coup plan but said he failed to report it because of his personal relationship with the colonel. He said Ma’aji had complained bitterly about his stalled promotion and “out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system.” Victor said he counselled Ma’aji against the plan and advised him to instead consider retirement.

Victor admitted he was approached to provide financial support, assist in raising funds, and help secure an apartment for the plotters, with a promise of a government appointment should the coup succeed. He said he declined. He acknowledged, however, that he maintained communication with Ma’aji on a secure messaging platform and that coded language was used in their exchanges, while insisting he was not part of any operational arrangement and rendered no assistance.

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Visibly remorseful in the footage, Victor appealed for clemency, saying his relationship with Ma’aji had clouded his judgment. “I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” he said, describing his predicament as being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He argued that if the government could grant amnesty to repentant terrorists and bandits who had shed innocent blood, he too deserved forgiveness, having served the country meritoriously in the Navy.

Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators he was first approached to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion through contacts within government circles, but that discussions eventually shifted to plans to overthrow the government. He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million, participating in reconnaissance operations around the Presidential Villa including Aguda House, and taking photographs of the president’s residence and its surroundings, including possible access routes.

Ibrahim confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used in communications to refer to funding and the alleged operation. He maintained, however, that his involvement stemmed from poor judgment driven by his relationship with the principal suspect, and that he played along knowing the plotters could never realistically breach the State House.

Investigators told the court at the start of proceedings that the audio-visual recording of the sessions was conducted in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, to ensure statements were obtained voluntarily and free from duress, torture or inducement. Defendants were also informed of their right to silence.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 5 at 11am for continuation of trial.