Coup Plot Trial: Video Shows Defendants Admit Plan Against Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Coup Plot Trial: Video Shows Defendants Admit Plan Against Tinubu

The Federal Government has intensified its prosecution of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presenting video evidence before the Federal High Court in Abuja that captures some defendants admitting knowledge of the plan.

The video recordings, played during Monday’s proceedings, form a key part of the prosecution’s case in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026. In the footage, some of the accused persons were seen explaining their roles and level of involvement during interrogation sessions with investigators.

Those standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, as well as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has filed a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence. Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired in September 2025 to “levy war” against the Nigerian state in a bid to overawe the president—an offence punishable under Nigerian law. Former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in the charge as being linked to the alleged plot, though authorities say he is currently at large.

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In the video evidence presented, two defendants—retired Captain Victor and Inspector Ibrahim—admitted they were aware of discussions about overthrowing the government but failed to report the plan. Victor acknowledged knowing the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, and said he was aware of the coup discussions, explaining that the officer had expressed frustration over stalled promotion and intentions to topple the government. Although he claimed to have advised against such action and declined participation, he admitted maintaining communication with the suspect and failing to alert authorities. Inspector Ibrahim, a serving officer attached to the State House, admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including photographing key locations and discussing possible access routes, while also confirming the use of coded language for funding and operational plans.

In contrast, retired Major General Gana denied any knowledge of the coup plan. He told investigators he had lived quietly since retiring in 2010 and had no involvement in subversive activities. While admitting he knew Colonel Ma’aji, received a N2 million transfer, and shared certain messages—including a past coup speech—via WhatsApp, he insisted he merely forwarded materials without authoring them. He also denied conducting reconnaissance or helping to raise funds for the alleged operation.

Defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of the video recordings, arguing that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily and objecting to the footage being played in open court. However, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overruled the objections and allowed the videos to be played, stating that a “trial-within-trial” would be conducted to determine the voluntariness of the statements.

The case remains one of the most significant national security trials in recent times, with prosecutors alleging that the defendants not only had prior knowledge of the coup plot but also failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. They are further accused of indirectly aiding the plan by not reporting it to relevant authorities, with additional charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The court has adjourned proceedings to continue hearing the case, including arguments on the admissibility of the video evidence, which is expected to play a crucial role in the final outcome.