‘I feel so bad’ – Two suspects admit knowledge of plot to overthrow Tinubu in failed coup
Federal High Court Reviews Evidence in Alleged Coup Plot Against Nigerian President
ABUJA — A Federal High Court in Abuja examined video recordings on Monday that featured interviews with three of the six individuals facing prosecution for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
During the court proceedings, the videos revealed that two out of the three defendants — retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim — acknowledged their awareness of the coup plot. In contrast, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied any knowledge of such plans.
The recordings were introduced by the prosecution as evidence, though defense attorneys raised objections regarding their admissibility. They contended that the statements made by their clients were not given voluntarily.
Additionally, the defense objected to the viewing of the recordings in court prior to their formal acceptance as evidence. However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled these objections, citing standard legal practices and stating that a trial-within-a-trial would occur to determine the voluntariness of the statements.
The initial video segment featured General Gana, who detailed his military career, having retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics. Gana claimed a prior acquaintance with the alleged coup mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, but insisted he was unaware of any coup plans. He stated that he would have reported any such intentions had he known.
Gana’s name surfaced in connection with the plot regarding a transfer of two million naira, and while he admitted to sharing a coup speech from a previous incident, he claimed he did not modify or originate its content. He denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or participating in fundraising efforts for the plot.
Retired Captain Victor, the second defendant, admitted to knowing Ma’aji and acknowledged being aware of the plot. However, he stated that his relationship with Ma’aji prevented him from reporting it. He expressed regret for not alerting authorities, noting that he had advised Ma’aji against his intentions.
Victor described being approached for financial support and stated he received communications involving coded language related to the coup. He reiterated that he did not assist in any operational activities and expressed remorse for his failure to act.
Police Inspector Ibrahim, the third defendant, testified that he was initially contacted to assist with Ma’aji’s promotion but later became embroiled in discussions about overthrowing the government. He acknowledged receiving funds and participating in reconnaissance efforts around the Presidential Villa, utilizing coded language in conversations about the alleged operation.
At the beginning of each interview session, investigators clarified to the defendants the purpose of the audiovisual recording, in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), emphasizing that their statements were to be voluntary and free from coercion.
The court proceedings will continue on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
