The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government has lined up 30 prosecution witnesses to testify against individuals accused of plotting to overthrow his administration. The witnesses will testify against a retired army major general, an ex-navy captain, a police inspector, and three others standing trial. More than 40 officers and civilians were allegedly involved in the plot, leading to a 13-count charge filed by the government against the civilians and ex-military officers, while serving officers face court-martial.
Charges and Legal Basis
The charges include treason, terrorism financing, failure to disclose information, and money laundering, which prosecutors argue violate Nigerian laws. The list of witnesses is contained in the Proof of Evidence filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, as reported by Premium Times. Prosecutors will rely on investigators, senior military officers, bank officials, forensic experts, hotel representatives, and civilian witnesses to establish the allegations against the six defendants.
Full List of Prosecution Witnesses
Investigation Officers: Officers who handled the investigation and recovered documentary exhibits.
Bank Officials: Representatives from Access Bank, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), First Bank, Ecobank, Jaiz Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), SunTrust Bank, and Opay Digital Services Limited are expected to tender account opening documents, statements of account, and other banking records.
Forensic Experts: Experts who extracted and analyzed mobile phones recovered from the defendants.
Civilian Witnesses: Aminu Abdullahi will testify on instructions allegedly received from Colonel Ma’aji and the receipt and disbursement of funds. Abdulganiyu Ahmed will testify on vehicles allegedly purchased in connection with the case. Moses Opata will testify on contracts awarded for refurbishing vehicles allegedly linked to the defendants. Peter Gambo, a golf kit dealer, will testify on the sale of golf kits to Squadron Leader Noel Zuzu.
Hotel Representatives: Representatives from Brookville Hotel & Suites (Abuja), Greenland Luxury Apartments (Abuja), and Hotel 17 (Kaduna) will testify on hotel reservations and meetings allegedly organized by Mr. Ma’aji and others.
Military Witnesses: Captain Haruna, Officer Commanding 81 Division Provost Company, will testify on a military Hilux vehicle allegedly kept in Military Police custody. Corporal Bejide Kehinde will testify on arms and ammunition allegedly signed out from the armoury of 130 Battalion, Maiduguri. Colonel Y.B. Mohammed will testify on arms and ammunition allegedly received for safekeeping at the 1 Division Garrison Armoury. Brigadier General E. Agada will testify that 403 Amphibious Brigade did not request the backloading of arms and ammunition from 130 Battalion. Captain K.I. Eromosele will testify that 130 Battalion (Rear) did not request arms and ammunition from 130 Battalion (Main).
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The prosecution has informed the court that it reserves the right to file additional evidence and call more witnesses as the trial progresses. The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken action against the six defendants, who pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges. The court ordered their remand in Department of State Services (DSS) custody and set April 27, 2026, as the date for trial commencement. The Nigerian government previously filed a 13-count charge against the six individuals on Monday, April 20, and the defendants appeared in court on Wednesday, April 22.
