The Federal Government, on Monday, presented incriminating video evidence before a Federal High Court in Abuja, detailing a botched plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The recordings, captured during interrogations, feature key defendants explaining their roles in the alleged coup d’état. Among those standing trial in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim.
Notably, the charge also names former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, who is currently declared at large after reportedly fleeing the country before the plot was uncovered.
The video evidence provided a stark look into the internal admissions of the accused. Retired Navy Captain Victor and Inspector Ibrahim were seen admitting prior knowledge of the conspiracy, while Major General Gana maintained his innocence.
Gana, a former Chief of Defence Logistics, argued that while he knew the alleged coordinator, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, he was unaware of any treasonous intent.
However, investigators confronted him with evidence of a N2 million transfer and WhatsApp messages containing anti-government rhetoric and historical coup speeches. Gana countered that he had merely forwarded received materials without editing or originating them.
In a more detailed confession, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, admitted to conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa.
He confessed to photographing the President’s residence and discussing access routes, though he claimed he only “played along” because he believed the facility was too secure to be breached.
Meanwhile, Captain Victor expressed remorse, admitting he failed to report Ma’aji’s plans out of personal loyalty. Victor pleaded for clemency, comparing his situation to “being in the wrong place at the wrong time” and asking for the same amnesty often extended to repentant insurgents.
The defense team vehemently challenged the admissibility of the recordings, arguing that the statements were not made voluntarily.
However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed their initial objections, allowing the clips to be played while noting that a “trial-within-trial” would eventually be conducted to determine if the confessions were coerced.
The defendants, who face a 13-count charge including treason, terrorism, and money laundering, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Proceedings are set to continue on Tuesday as the government seeks to prove the group conspired to “levy war against the state” in September 2025.
