FG Plays Video Evidence in Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu as Trial Opens

The Federal Government has played video recordings in court showing two defendants admitting knowledge of a planned coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The evidence was presented Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the trial of six defendants charged in case FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 with treason, terrorism, and money laundering.

On trial are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, plus Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Bayelsa Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Timipre Sylva was also named in the charge but is said to be at large after fleeing the country.

What the videos show

- Retired Maj. Gen. Gana, denied involvement, saying he retired in 2010 and has lived quietly since. He admitted knowing alleged plot coordinator Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and forwarding a copy of Joshua Dongayaro’s 1980s coup speech and anti-government messages on WhatsApp, but insisted he only shared them as received. He linked the case against him to a traced ₦2 million transfer and denied conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or raising funds for the plot.

- Retired Capt. Victor, admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the coup plan but said he urged Ma’aji to retire instead. He confirmed being asked to provide money or secure an apartment, with a promised appointment if the coup succeeded. Victor said he declined but kept communicating with Ma’aji on a secure messaging app using coded terms. He pleaded for clemency, saying he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” and argued he deserved the same leniency given to repentant terrorists.

Inspector Ibrahim, attached to the State House, said he was first approached to help Ma’aji with a promotion before discussions turned to overthrowing the government. He admitted receiving ₦1.4–₦1.5 million and taking photos of the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House and the President’s residence, while discussing access routes. He said terms like “fertiliser” and “farming” were used as code for funding and the operation.

Court proceedings

Defence lawyers objected to the video evidence, claiming their clients didn’t make the statements voluntarily. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled them and ordered a trial-within-trial to determine voluntariness. The case was adjourned to Tuesday.

The charges

The FG alleges the defendants conspired in September 2025 to levy war against the state to overawe President Tinubu, an offence under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code. They are also accused of failing to report the plot and of committing terrorism offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

All defendants pleaded not guilty when arraigned and remain in DSS custody pending trial.