BREAKING: Two suspected coup plotters confess, admit roles in plot to overthrow Tinubu

Two individuals accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot on Monday admitted they had prior knowledge of plans to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, as video recordings of their statements were presented at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suspects, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who are the second and third defendants, made the admissions in recorded interviews played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik during the ongoing trial.
The recordings, stored on a hard drive, were tendered by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), and admitted as evidence by the court.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), defence lawyers objected to the admissibility of the recordings, arguing that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily. They also opposed playing the videos in open court before they were admitted as evidence.
However, Justice Abdulmalik overruled the objections and directed that the recordings be played, stating that such procedure aligns with standard legal practice. She added that a trial-within-trial could later be conducted to determine the validity of the defence’s claims.
The first video presented featured retired Major-General Mohammed Gana, who stated that he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since maintained a quiet life. He denied any wrongdoing, though he acknowledged knowing the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji.
Gana said he was aware that Ma’aji had issues regarding his promotion but denied knowledge of any coup plans. He stated that he would have reported such intentions if he had known.
He explained that his name became linked to the case following a N2 million transaction traced to him by investigators. He also admitted forwarding, via WhatsApp, a copy of a coup speech previously read by Joshua Dongayaro, as well as other messages containing anti-government rhetoric. However, he insisted he merely shared the content as received and did not originate or modify it.
Gana denied participating in reconnaissance activities at the Presidential Villa or involvement in fundraising efforts tied to the alleged plot, including claims of sourcing large sums from a former governor.
In his own recorded statement, retired Captain Erasmus Victor admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of discussions about overthrowing the government. He explained that he failed to report the matter due to his personal relationship with the alleged mastermind.
Victor said Ma’aji had expressed frustration over stalled promotion and, out of anger, mentioned plans to overthrow the system. He stated that he advised against such actions and suggested retirement instead.
He further admitted that he was approached to provide financial support, assist in raising funds, and help secure accommodation for the plotters, with promises of a position if the coup succeeded. He said he declined all requests.
Victor acknowledged maintaining communication with Ma’aji through a secure messaging platform and confirmed that coded language was used during conversations. He maintained that he did not take part in any operational planning or provide assistance.
Expressing regret in the video, Victor said his relationship with Ma’aji clouded his judgment and prevented him from reporting the matter to authorities. He appealed for leniency, stating that he found himself in the situation by circumstance and was remorseful for his inaction.
Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators that he was initially contacted to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion through his connections. He said their discussions later shifted toward alleged plans to overthrow the government.
Ibrahim admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. He said he took photographs of key locations, including the president’s residence, and discussed possible access routes.
He also confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used to refer to funding and operational plans. However, he claimed his involvement resulted from poor judgment influenced by his relationship with the principal suspect.
Ibrahim added that he went along with the discussions because he believed it would be impossible for the group to gain access to the State House.
NAN reported that investigators, at the start of each interview, informed the defendants that the recordings were being made in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. They explained that the process was to ensure statements were obtained voluntarily, without coercion, torture, or inducement.
The defendants were also informed of their right to remain silent during questioning.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 5 at 11 a.m. for continuation of the trial.