In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, video evidence played on Monday revealed that two of the six men accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government admitted they were aware of the scheme. The recordings, which were played in open court, showed retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim confessing their knowledge of the plot, while retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied any involvement.
The prosecution submitted a hard disc containing the interview recordings, but the defense lawyers objected, claiming the statements were not made voluntarily. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections, stating that playing the recordings while noting the objection and conducting a trial-within-trial to determine voluntariness was standard procedure.
In the first video, Major General Gana, who retired in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics, said he knew the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, but was unaware of any coup planning. He admitted sharing a coup speech via WhatsApp and forwarding anti-government messages, but claimed he did not originate them. He also denied conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or raising funds for the plot.
The second defendant, Victor, expressed deep regret for not reporting the plot, saying, ‘I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation.’ He admitted Ma’aji complained about promotion issues and angrily mentioned overthrowing the system. Victor said he advised against it and suggested retirement, but he failed to report due to their relationship. He acknowledged being approached for financial support and was promised a position after a successful coup, but he insisted he never took part in any operations.
Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, said he initially helped Ma’aji with promotion contacts, but the discussions later turned to the coup plot. He admitted receiving about N1.5 million, participating in reconnaissance, and taking photos of the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. He also confirmed the use of coded language like ‘fertilizer’ and ‘farming’ for funding and the operation. However, he claimed he only went along because he believed access to the State House was impossible.
At the start of each interview, investigators explained the audio-visual recording process, noting it was in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure statements were voluntary and not coerced. The trial continues on Tuesday at 11 a.m.