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Coup Plot: Army Reveals Details of Alleged Plan to Overthrow Tinubu in Court
Court hears how the Army uncovered a plot to overthrow President Tinubu, with testimony detailing meetings, funding, and alleged masterminds.
The Nigerian Army has told a Federal High Court in Abuja how it uncovered an alleged coup plot aimed at removing President Bola Tinubu from office.
Testifying under anonymity as “AAA,” a member of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police said the investigation was launched after intelligence reached the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, about a planned takeover led by Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others.
The accused persons 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.
Former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva was also named in the charge and is reportedly on the run.
According to the witness, investigators recovered a phone and documents from Col. Ma’aji that contained detailed plans for the coup, including a list of officials to be targeted.
“Inside the jotter, we also found information about political and structural changes that were to be made upon the execution of the coup,” he told the court.
The Army said forensic analysis of the recovered phone revealed financial links among the accused.
“We also observed financial trails between some of the defendants and Col. M. A. Ma’aji. Monies were paid to some of the defendants in pursuit of the coup plot,” the witness stated.
The court heard that funds were allegedly routed through a company known as Purple Wave, with transactions in millions of naira recorded over several dates in late 2025.
The witness also disclosed that planning meetings took place in Abuja, where the plotters allegedly discussed removing the government and restructuring state institutions.
“They discussed negative things about the government and concluded that there was the need for a regime change,” he said.
Further plans reportedly included attacking strategic locations, seizing control of highways, and assigning roles within a proposed new government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted key exhibits, including financial documents and audiovisual evidence, and approved the prosecution’s request to protect the identities of witnesses.
The defendants, facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and related offences, have denied all allegations.
The trial has been adjourned until May 4 and 5.
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