Nigeria Coup Plot Trial Deepens Over Video, Money Trail
The Nigeria coup plot trial involving six defendants accused of conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration intensified this week after the Federal High Court in Abuja admitted controversial video evidence and reviewed financial transactions allegedly linked to the accused.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who is presiding over the case, ruled that video recordings obtained during the investigation could be played in open court despite objections from defence lawyers who argued that some statements were made under duress.
The courtroom proceedings exposed a web of conflicting testimonies, disputed financial transfers, coded communications, and allegations of secret meetings around the Presidential Villa, raising broader questions about Nigeria’s internal security architecture and the handling of sensitive intelligence cases.
Among the defendants is Islamic cleric Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, who denied participating in any attempt to destabilise the government and insisted that more than ₦10 million transferred to him by the alleged principal suspect, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, was solely for prayers and charitable activities.
The Federal Government has charged six individuals with 13 counts bordering on treason, terrorism, conspiracy, and failure to disclose security intelligence.
The defendants include:
- Retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana
- Retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor
- Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim
- Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni
- Zekeri Umoru
- Abdulkadir Sani
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in the charges and is reportedly at large after allegedly leaving the country before the plot was uncovered. Authorities have not publicly disclosed his location.
Courtroom Drama Intensifies
The latest phase of the Abuja court trial news centred heavily on the admissibility of video evidence obtained during interrogations conducted by security operatives.
According to proceedings reviewed in court, one of the videos allegedly showed retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledging awareness of discussions surrounding the alleged coup plot.
Defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of the recordings, arguing that the statements were not voluntary. However, Justice Abdulmalik overruled the objections and ordered the videos to be played in open court.
The ruling marked a major turning point in the trial because prosecutors now appear set to rely heavily on recorded confessions and financial evidence to establish links among the accused persons.
The Federal Government alleges that the suspects held meetings near strategic government facilities, including the Presidential Villa in Abuja, and used coded expressions such as “fertiliser” and “farming” to disguise operational discussions.
However, several defendants have denied knowledge of any concrete plan to overthrow the government.
Financial Transfers Under Scrutiny
One of the most closely watched aspects of the proceedings involved financial records allegedly tied to the accused.
Investigators confronted Sheikh Goni with banking documents showing multiple transfers allegedly connected to Colonel Ma’aji.
The cleric denied involvement in any anti-government activity and claimed the money was linked to spiritual consultations and prayers.
According to his testimony, Colonel Ma’aji approached him over personal difficulties, including alleged delays in military promotion.
But prosecutors questioned inconsistencies in the cleric’s timeline.
Investigators told the court that transfers allegedly began in March 2023, months before the promotion-related issues Sheikh Goni referenced during questioning.
The court also heard about an alleged ₦10 million transfer made in October 2024.
Security operatives further questioned discussions allegedly involving requests for “access” and “work tools,” which investigators suggested pointed to operational planning connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Sheikh Goni rejected the allegations and maintained that he had no political or military involvement.
The proceedings have intensified public attention on the role financial transactions can play in national security investigations.
The trial highlights growing concerns over internal security vulnerabilities and raises questions about how financial transactions are monitored in sensitive national security cases.
Presidential Villa Worker Denies Coup Knowledge
Another key moment during the hearing involved Zekeri Umoru, a Julius Berger staff member attached to the maintenance department at the Presidential Villa.
Umoru told investigators in a video shown in court that he was “misled” into associating with Colonel Ma’aji and denied knowingly participating in any coup plot.
However, he admitted receiving several cash payments, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag allegedly containing ₦8.8 million.
The defendant said he believed the money was connected to legitimate business opportunities.
Investigators nevertheless argued that the transactions formed part of a broader network of logistical and operational support.
Earlier hearings had already revealed allegations that some defendants conducted reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa.
The accused persons have continued to deny any direct involvement in efforts to topple the government.
Understanding the Treason Charges in Nigeria
The case has revived national debate over treason charges Nigeria and how such offences are prosecuted under Nigerian law.
Under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, treason-related offences involve attempts to levy war against the state or intimidate the government through force.
The Federal Government alleges that the defendants conspired sometime in September 2025 to overawe President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The prosecution also accused the defendants of failing to disclose intelligence relating to the alleged plot and failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the offence.
Additional terrorism-related allegations were filed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Legal analysts say convictions for treason carry severe penalties and are historically rare in Nigeria’s democratic era.
The case has therefore attracted significant political and public attention because of its implications for civil-military relations and national stability.
As previously reported by DSG HERALD, the trial has already generated debate over media restrictions and military jurisdiction, especially after a court order limiting journalist access and accelerating proceedings in related hearings through coverage on the Nigeria coup trial hearing restrictions and discussions surrounding military court jurisdiction in the case.
Military Investigation and Wider Security Concerns
The Defence Headquarters had initially denied reports of coup-related investigations in late 2025.
However, in January 2026, military authorities officially confirmed that investigations into an alleged plot to overthrow the government had been concluded.
The DHQ stated that implicated serving personnel would face military disciplinary procedures and possible court-martial.
Intelligence reports cited during the investigation allegedly identified about 40 individuals, including serving and retired military officers and civilians.
Authorities are pursuing a dual-track legal process:
- Civilians and retired officers are being prosecuted in civilian court
- Serving military personnel are expected to face military tribunals
The broader implications of the case continue to fuel political debate across Nigeria.
Security analysts note that coup allegations have become relatively uncommon since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, making the current proceedings especially sensitive.
Nigeria experienced multiple military coups between 1966 and 1993, but democratic transitions over the past two decades have significantly reduced fears of military intervention in politics.
The ongoing Tinubu coup allegations, therefore, represent one of the most politically consequential security trials in recent years.
What Happens Next?
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned further proceedings until May 11, 12, and 13.
Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting video recordings, financial records, and witness testimony to establish connections among the accused.
Defence lawyers are also expected to intensify challenges to the admissibility and interpretation of evidence.
Several claims made during the proceedings could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, public attention remains fixed on whether the prosecution can conclusively prove the existence of an organised attempt to undermine the Nigerian government.
According to a Vanguard report, the Federal Government maintains that the accused persons participated in activities linked to a broader conspiracy involving terrorism and treason-related offences.
The defendants have all pleaded not guilty.
Recommended Coverage:
- FG Treason Charges Against Sylva, Others Face Court Test
A deeper look at the Federal Government’s treason case and the growing legal scrutiny surrounding the alleged conspiracy network. - Mene Ogidi Killing Raises Police Accountability Questions
Examines broader concerns about law enforcement transparency and accountability in high-profile Nigerian investigations. - Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for $516m Loan
Explores another major political and governance issue currently shaping Nigeria’s national debate. - Apocalypto 2: Truth Behind the Viral Sequel Rumours
A fact-check feature examining misinformation trends and online speculation.
About the Author
