Two defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu broke their silence in a federal high court on Monday, admitting they had prior knowledge of the conspiracy but failed to report it to authorities.
The stunning admissions came during video recordings played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja.
The footage captured separate interview sessions with a retired Navy captain, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and a police inspector attached to the State House, Ahmed Ibrahim.Both men expressed deep regret for their inaction.
“I regret not reporting it,” Mr. Victor, the retired Navy captain, said in the video. He admitted knowing the alleged mastermind, a serving colonel identified as M. A. Ma’aji, and confirmed being aware of discussions to overthrow the democratically elected government.
According to the video evidence, Mr. Victor disclosed that the colonel had complained about stalled promotions and expressed anger at the system.
He said he advised the officer against the coup but failed to alert security agencies due to their personal relationship.
The prosecution’s hard drive also captured Mr. Victor admitting that he was asked to provide financial support, help raise funds, and secure accommodation for the plotters. In return, he was promised a political appointment if the plot succeeded.
“I declined active involvement but maintained communication via a secure messaging platform where coded language was used,” he stated.
Inspector admitted reconnaissance missionInspector Ahmed Ibrahim, a police officer attached to the Presidential Villa, made even more damning admissions.
He told interrogators that he was first approached to help facilitate the colonel’s promotion, but discussions later shifted to overthrowing the government.“I received between N1.4 million and N1.5 million,” Mr. Ibrahim confessed.
He admitted taking part in reconnaissance missions around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House, and photographed parts of the villa while discussing possible access routes.
He also revealed that the conspirators used coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” to refer to funding and the operation itself.
Despite his participation, Mr. Ibrahim said he never believed the plan could succeed.
He blamed his actions on poor judgment stemming from his closeness to the principal suspect.
Retired Major-General denies involvementIn contrast, a third defendant featured in the video, retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, denied any knowledge of the coup plot.
He told investigators he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 and had since lived a quiet life.
While he admitted knowing Colonel Ma’aji and being aware that the officer had promotion issues, General Gana insisted he knew nothing about a coup.
“I would have reported it if I did,” he said in the recording.However, investigators linked him to a N2 million transfer.
He acknowledged forwarding a coup speech and some anti-government messages on WhatsApp but claimed he did not originate them.
He also denied taking part in any reconnaissance or fund-raising efforts.
The remaining three defendants – Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani – were not featured in the video playback.
Justice Abdulmalik has adjourned further hearing until Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The six defendants remain standing trial on allegations of plotting to subvert the constitutional government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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