Video Evidence: Two Defendants Admit Awareness of Alleged Plan Against Tinubu Government

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday reviewed video recordings of interrogation sessions involving three of the six defendants standing trial over allegations of a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The recordings, played in open court, showed interviews conducted by investigators as part of the prosecution’s evidence. In the footage, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledged awareness of discussions connected to the alleged plan, while retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied any knowledge of a coup attempt.

The defence team objected to the admissibility of the recordings, arguing that the statements were not made voluntarily. They also opposed their playback in open court before a formal ruling on their evidential status. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections and allowed the videos to be played, stating that issues of admissibility would be determined at a later stage. She also ordered a trial-within-trial to examine whether the statements were made freely or under any form of coercion.

In his recorded interview, Gana said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 after serving as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived a private life without involvement in criminal activity. He confirmed knowing Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, described by investigators as the alleged central figure in the case, but said he was unaware of any plan to destabilise the government. He stated that he believed Ma’aji’s grievances were related to promotion issues and insisted he would have reported any unlawful intention if he had known.

Gana also addressed a ₦2 million transaction flagged by investigators, saying he was not aware of its purpose. He admitted forwarding a historical coup-related speech and sharing political messages via WhatsApp but maintained that he did not author or alter the content. He denied allegations of conducting surveillance around the Presidential Villa or participating in any fundraising linked to the alleged plot.

Victor, the second defendant, confirmed knowing Ma’aji and said he became aware of discussions suggesting a plan to overthrow the government. He said he did not report the matter due to his personal relationship with the officer involved. According to him, Ma’aji had complained about stalled promotion, which later escalated into talk of removing the government.

He told investigators that he advised against such actions and suggested retirement instead. Victor also admitted being approached to provide financial support, assist in raising funds, and help secure accommodation with promises of future political appointment if the plan succeeded. He said he declined all involvement, though he continued communication through encrypted messaging platforms where coded language was reportedly used.

Victor expressed regret for not reporting the matter to security authorities and appealed for leniency, stating that his judgment was influenced by personal ties. He said he felt remorseful and compared his situation to being caught in circumstances he did not intend. He also argued that his long service in the Navy should be considered in his favour.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the State House, told investigators that he was initially contacted to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion through official connections. He said discussions later shifted from promotion matters to alleged plans against the government.

He admitted receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million and confirmed participation in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. He stated that he took photographs of sections of the premises, including the President’s residence and surrounding areas, and discussed possible access routes.

Ibrahim also acknowledged that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used during conversations to refer to funding and operational planning. He maintained that his involvement was influenced by misplaced trust and personal judgment, adding that he did not believe the plan would succeed.

At the start of each interview played in court, investigators stated that the sessions were recorded in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, explaining that the process was intended to ensure transparency and confirm that statements were made voluntarily. They also informed the defendants of their right to remain silent.

The court adjourned the matter for continuation of hearing.