Proceedings at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday featured the playback of video recordings showing investigators interviewing three of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu.
In the recordings presented in open court, two of the defendants, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, admitted they were aware of the alleged coup plot, while retired Major General Mohammed Gana denied any knowledge of such plans.
The footage, stored on a hard drive and tendered by the prosecution, was contested by defence lawyers, who argued that the statements were not made voluntarily.
They also opposed playing the recordings before they were formally admitted as evidence.
However, presiding judge Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections, stating that viewing such materials in court aligns with standard procedure.
She added that a “trial-within-trial” would be conducted to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
In his recorded interview, Gana said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had never been involved in any misconduct.
He acknowledged knowing the alleged mastermind, identified as Colonel Ma’aji, but denied awareness of any coup plans.
Gana told investigators he had heard that Ma’aji faced issues with promotion but insisted he would have reported any knowledge of a coup.
He explained that his name surfaced during investigations due to a N2 million transfer linked to him.
He also admitted forwarding, via WhatsApp, a copy of a coup speech previously delivered during an earlier uprising, as well as messages containing anti-government rhetoric.
However, he maintained that he merely shared content he received without altering or originating it.
When confronted with claims that a speech recovered from Ma’aji resembled what he shared, Gana said he was unaware of any connection.
He further denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or participating in fundraising efforts for the plot.
Retired Captain Victor, the second defendant, admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of discussions about overthrowing the government but said he failed to report the matter due to their personal relationship.
He recounted that Ma’aji, frustrated over stalled promotion, expressed intentions to “overthrow the system,” but said he advised him against such action and suggested retirement instead.
Victor also admitted he was approached to provide financial support, assist in raising funds, and help secure accommodation for the alleged plotters, with promises of a government appointment if successful.
He said he declined all requests and insisted he did not participate in any operational planning.
He acknowledged that communication continued through a secure messaging platform, where coded language was used, but maintained he offered no assistance.
Expressing regret, he told investigators, “I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” and appealed for clemency, likening his circumstances to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Victor further argued that if the government could grant amnesty to repentant insurgents and bandits, he too should be considered for forgiveness, citing his years of service in the Navy.
Inspector Ibrahim, attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially contacted to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion through his connections.
He said the discussions later shifted to plans to overthrow the government.
He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and taking part in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.
He said he took photographs of the President’s residence and surrounding areas while discussing possible access routes.
Ibrahim also confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used during conversations to refer to funding and operational plans.
He, however, said his actions were influenced by poor judgment tied to his relationship with the alleged mastermind.
According to him, he did not take the plot seriously and merely went along with discussions because he believed access to the State House would be impossible.
Investigators noted that at the start of each interview, defendants were informed that the sessions were being recorded in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure statements were made voluntarily and without coercion.
They were also reminded of their right to remain silent.
The case was adjourned to May 6, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
