By Editor Drealomalicha Emmanuella
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Monday heard startling video evidence in the ongoing trial of six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu, with two of the accused admitting prior knowledge of the alleged coup.
The court viewed recorded interrogation sessions in which a retired naval officer, Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and a serving police officer, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, acknowledged awareness of the plot. The footage, presented by the prosecution despite objections from defence counsel, formed part of a hard drive submitted as evidence.
In one of the recordings, Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, confessed to receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million to carry out reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa. He told investigators he photographed sensitive areas, including the President’s residence, and assessed possible access routes.
The footage also revealed that coded language such as “fertiliser” and “farming” was allegedly used by the suspects to refer to funding and operational planning. Ibrahim, however, claimed his involvement was driven by poor judgement and insisted he never believed the plan could be successfully executed.
In contrast, a retired senior officer, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, denied any knowledge of the alleged plot. He told investigators he had lived a quiet life since retiring from the Nigerian Army in 2010 and would have reported any such plan had he been aware of it.
Gana admitted knowing the alleged mastermind, Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, who he said had previously expressed frustration over stalled promotion. He also acknowledged forwarding a past coup speech and messages critical of the government via WhatsApp, but maintained he neither authored nor edited them.
Captain Victor, the second defendant, confirmed in his interview that he was aware of discussions about overthrowing the government but failed to alert authorities due to his personal relationship with Ma’aji. He said he discouraged the idea and advised the officer to consider retirement instead.
Victor further disclosed that he was approached to provide financial support and assist with logistics, including securing accommodation, with promises of a government appointment should the coup succeed. He maintained he declined all requests and did not participate in any operational activity.
Appearing visibly remorseful in the footage, Victor admitted his failure to report the plot was a grave error. He appealed for leniency, describing himself as “a victim of circumstance” and urging the court to consider his years of service in the Nigerian Navy.
“I feel deeply ashamed to find myself in this position,” he said, pleading for clemency and drawing parallels with government rehabilitation programmes for repentant insurgents.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled objections from the defence regarding the admissibility of the video recordings, stating that playing such material in open court aligns with standard judicial practice. She, however, noted that a trial-within-trial would be conducted to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
The court heard that investigators had informed each defendant of their rights before recording the sessions, in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, including the right to remain silent and assurances that no coercion or inducement was involved.
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday for continuation of proceedings.
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