Proceedings at Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja have introduced new developments in the ongoing trial over an alleged coup plot targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with video evidence showing that two defendants acknowledged prior knowledge of the plan.
During the hearing, the court viewed recorded interrogation sessions involving three of the six accused individuals. In the footage, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim admitted being aware of discussions to overthrow the government, while retired Major General Mohammed Gana denied any knowledge of such a plot.
The prosecution submitted the recordings via a hard drive as part of its evidence. However, defence counsel challenged both the admissibility of the recordings and their public presentation, arguing that the statements were not made voluntarily and should not be played before formal admission into evidence.
According to the report of Channell’s Television, Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections, stating that playing such recordings aligns with standard judicial practice. She added that the court would conduct a “trial-within-trial” to determine whether the statements were obtained voluntarily.
In his recorded interview, Gana said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 and had no involvement in any coup-related activity. While acknowledging familiarity with the alleged mastermind, identified as Colonel Ma’aji, Gana maintained he was unaware of any plan to overthrow the government. He also denied allegations of reconnaissance or fundraising tied to the plot.
Victor, however, admitted that he was aware of conversations suggesting a possible coup, citing grievances expressed by the alleged mastermind over stalled promotion. He told investigators he discouraged the idea but did not report it due to personal ties. Victor also confirmed he was approached for financial and logistical support but said he declined any involvement. He expressed regret during the interview for failing to alert authorities.
Inspector Ibrahim disclosed that his initial interaction with the alleged mastermind related to assisting with a promotion request, but discussions later shifted to alleged coup planning. He admitted receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million and conducting surveillance activities around the Presidential Villa, including photographing sensitive locations. He also confirmed the use of coded language such as “fertiliser” and “farming” to describe funding and operational elements.
Despite these admissions, Ibrahim argued that he did not take the plan seriously and believed it was not feasible.
Investigators stated that all interviews were recorded in compliance with Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure transparency and prevent coercion. Defendants were also informed of their right to remain silent.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2026, for continuation of proceedings, with the court expected to further examine the admissibility of the video evidence and the substance of the allegations.
Context for Business & International Readers:
The trial underscores ongoing concerns around political stability and security in Africa’s largest economy, where institutional integrity and rule of law remain critical for investor confidence
and economic reforms under the Tinubu administration.
source: Channels Television