Drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as two suspects in an alleged coup plot admitted in video evidence that they were aware of plans to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The startling revelations emerged during proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where prosecutors played recorded interrogation sessions in open court, sending shockwaves through the courtroom.
Among those featured in the videos were retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who both acknowledged having prior knowledge of the alleged plot, though they denied active involvement.
Victor admitted that he was informed of the plan by the alleged mastermind, Col. M. A. Ma’aji, who, according to him, was aggrieved over a stalled promotion and expressed intentions to “overthrow the system.”
He told investigators he advised against the move but failed to alert authorities due to their personal relationship, a decision he now regrets.
“I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” Victor said in the recording, pleading for clemency and describing his predicament as “being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Equally gripping was the testimony of Inspector Ibrahim, who disclosed that discussions initially centred on helping the officer secure promotion but later shifted to an alleged plan to topple the government.
He admitted receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million and conducting reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including photographing sensitive areas and identifying possible access routes.
Investigators also revealed that coded language such as “fertiliser” and “farming” was allegedly used to mask discussions on funding and operational plans.
Despite the admissions, both defendants insisted they were not part of any execution plan, attributing their actions to poor judgment and personal connections.
Earlier, retired Major-General Mohammed Gana also told investigators he knew the alleged mastermind but denied any knowledge of the coup plan, insisting he merely forwarded messages, including past coup speeches, without understanding their implications.
The defence team had challenged the admissibility of the video evidence, arguing that the statements were not made voluntarily.
However, Justice Abdulmalik overruled the objections and ordered the recordings to be played, noting that their admissibility could be further examined during a trial-within-trial.
The case has heightened concerns over internal security and the vulnerability of key national institutions, especially given the alleged reconnaissance activities around the seat of power.
Proceedings have been adjourned to May 5 for continuation of trial as the court prepares to further examine the weight of the evidence.
