Proceedings at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday took a dramatic turn as video recordings of interrogation sessions involving three of six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration were played in open court.
The recordings, stored on a hard drive presented by the prosecution, captured interviews with retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim.
In the footage, two of the defendants—Victor and Inspector Ibrahim—acknowledged awareness of the alleged coup plan, while Gana denied any knowledge of such a plot.
Defence counsel opposed both the admissibility of the recordings and their being played in court, arguing that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily. However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections, describing the move as standard procedure. She noted that the court would later conduct a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
In his recorded session, Gana said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since maintained a clean record. While admitting he knew the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, he insisted he was unaware of any coup plan, stating he would have reported it if he had known.
Gana explained that his name surfaced during investigations over a N2 million transfer linked to him. He also admitted forwarding, via WhatsApp, a coup speech previously delivered by Joshua Dongayaro, as well as messages containing anti-government rhetoric, but maintained he neither authored nor altered the materials.
He denied taking part in reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or any fundraising efforts tied to the alleged plot, including claims of sourcing large sums from a former governor.
Retired Captain Victor, in his own interview, confirmed he was aware of discussions about overthrowing the government but failed to report them due to his relationship with Ma’aji. He recounted that Ma’aji, frustrated over stalled promotion, declared that “out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system.”
Victor said he advised against such plans and suggested retirement instead. He admitted being approached for financial support and logistical assistance, including helping to secure accommodation, with promises of a future appointment if the coup succeeded. He, however, said he declined involvement.
The retired officer acknowledged maintaining communication with the alleged plotters through a secure messaging platform and confirmed that coded language was used, though he insisted he never participated in operational planning.
Expressing remorse, Victor said: “I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” attributing his predicament to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He added: “I am pleading for clemency, noting that the Almighty God himself said he regretted creating man, but still continues to still mercy on man.”
Arguing for leniency, he said if the government could forgive and reintegrate repentant terrorists and bandits, he too deserved pardon, having served the Navy meritoriously.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially contacted to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion but said the discussions later evolved into plans to topple the government.
He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and conducting reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. According to him, he took photographs of key locations, including the President’s residence, and discussed possible access routes.
He further disclosed that coded terms like “fertiliser” and “farming” were used to refer to funding and operational plans.
Despite these admissions, Ibrahim claimed his actions were influenced by poor judgment and insisted he never believed the plot could succeed, stating he merely went along because access to the State House would be impossible.
The court also heard that investigators informed each defendant at the start of their sessions about the purpose of the audio-visual recordings, citing compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). They said the recordings were intended to ensure statements were made voluntarily, without coercion, torture, or inducement, and reminded the suspects of their right to remain silent.
The case was adjourned, with further hearing scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m.
