The Nigerian Army has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how it uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, providing detailed accounts of investigations and arrests linked to the case.
A military witness, whose identity was concealed by court order, testified before the court against six individuals accused of masterminding the alleged coup. The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others—Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
During proceedings, the prosecution also named former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, as being connected to the plot. He is reportedly at large after allegedly leaving the country before the scheme was uncovered.
The witness, identified as “AAA,” told the court he was part of the investigative team that acted on intelligence received by the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede. According to him, the intelligence indicated that Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others were planning to overthrow the democratically elected government.
Following the report, investigators arrested Col. Ma’aji and recovered key items, including a mobile phone and a notebook. The witness said the notebook contained operational plans, names of top government officials, and a list of intended targets, including individuals marked for assassination during the execution of the alleged coup.
Further analysis of the seized phone reportedly revealed communication links, coded messages, and financial transactions connecting the suspects. The Army told the court that financial trails linked some of the accused persons and Timipre Sylva to the alleged plot, with funds allegedly disbursed to support its execution.
Investigators also identified a company, Purple Wave, which they claimed was used to channel funds for the operation. Financial records presented in court showed multiple large transactions between September and October 2025, which the prosecution argued were used to finance the alleged coup, despite being labeled for other purposes.
According to the testimony, several planning meetings were held at locations in Abuja, including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel. At these meetings, participants allegedly discussed regime change, mapped out targets such as military barracks, and assigned roles, including proposed positions in a post-coup government.
The witness added that the suspects allegedly acquired vehicles and other logistics, and even engaged in consultations and rituals believed to support the operation.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted several pieces of evidence, including financial documents, phone extracts, and a flash drive containing recorded statements from the defendants. The court also granted the Federal Government’s request to shield the identities of certain witnesses due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The defendants, however, challenged some of the evidence and raised concerns over fair trial rights, particularly regarding full disclosure of witness identities.
The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against the suspects, including allegations of treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence. Prosecutors claim the accused conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state and undermine the presidency.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty when arraigned and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services.
The case has been adjourned until May 4 and 5 for continuation of trial.
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