In a startling revelation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a witness in the trial of six accused coup plotters has disclosed that Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji allegedly intended to forcibly enter the Presidential Villa. Zekeri Umoru, the fourth defendant, testified before a Special Investigative Panel that Ma’aji expressed a determination to gain access, even if it meant using violence, regardless of the cooperation of insiders.
Umoru, who was employed by Julius Berger on the Presidential Villa clinic project, stated that Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, the third defendant, acted as an intermediary. Ibrahim allegedly offered Umoru money and instructed him to recruit 18 to 19 individuals working within the Villa, including soldiers, DSS operatives, and Julius Berger staff, for the operation.
The witness further claimed that discussions included a plan to shut down the Villa’s electricity supply to facilitate the coup attempt. However, Umoru cautioned that such a move would trigger immediate investigations and detain personnel on duty. He also noted that Inspector Ibrahim later demanded N100 million from Ma’aji to secure entry via an ambulance route, a request Ma’aji dismissed as excessive, insisting he could breach the Villa by force, albeit with bloodshed.
Becoming uneasy with the scheme, Umoru attempted to return the money he received, emphasizing that the Presidential Villa was not a trivial matter. He denied having access to the solar power plant or sabotaging electricity, as alleged. The witness also admitted failing to promptly report the plot to authorities, explaining that Inspector Ibrahim discouraged him, asking him to delete messages and avoid contacting Ma’aji due to an ongoing audit.
After the video evidence was screened, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 21 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.