Documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, running to over 7,400 pages, have revealed detailed operational plans by military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu in 2025. These records include statements from suspects, bank records, secret notes, and other exhibits assembled by investigators.
Coded Language and Key Dates
The alleged conspirators used coded words and phrases to communicate. They referred to themselves as “farmers” and the entire movement as “farming.” Fertilizers meant logistics, harvest was execution day, digital farming signified the operation, and technical partners were clerics approached for prayers. They also used “H-hour” for execution time and “D-Day” for the day of execution.
According to Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim, the proposed operation time was between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., consistent with previous military takeovers. Three possible dates were discussed: 27 September 2025, 1 October 2025 (Independence Day), and 4 October 2025. However, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, the alleged leader, stated the final D-Day depended on the availability of troops, weapons, and logistics. Major Ilyasu Jamilu told investigators that preparations were incomplete, so no final date was set.
Target Assignments and Responsibilities
Each participant was assigned a strategic task. A police officer, Ahmed Ibrahim, assisted in reconnaissance of the Presidential Villa. A Julius Berger employee, Zekeri Umoru, warned against switching off the Villa’s power as it would trigger investigations. The alleged planners intended to recruit 18 to 19 persons, including soldiers, SSS operatives, and villa workers.
Lieutenant-Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah was assigned to seize 102 Battalion in Zuma, Niger State. Major Ibrahim was initially tasked with securing the Armed Forces Headquarters but later reassigned to Radio House to deliver the takeover speech. Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu was to seize Air House, Major Muhammad Jiddah was to take control of the Chief of Army Staff’s residence, and Major Daniel Yusuf was assigned to the Chief of Defence Staff’s residence. Captain Akinwale Yusuf, based in Lagos, was to seize a divisional headquarters there, while retired Colonel M.M. Adamu would coordinate from Niger Barracks in Abuja.
Airports and Logistics
Airports were critical targets. Major Ibrahim stated the conspirators concluded that the operation could not succeed if aircraft continued operating. Squadron Leader Noel Zuzu was to deploy a gun truck onto the Abuja runway to halt flights. Lieutenant Sunday Felix surveyed the Lagos airport and planned to disrupt flights on D-Day with an engineer’s help.
Manpower and equipment were to be drawn from several formations. Colonel Ma’aji said Lieutenant-Colonel Ponfa Dangnap would mobilize troops and equipment from 134 Battalion in the North-east, while Major Ibrahim would generate resources from 198 Battalion. Lieutenant-Colonel Abulrahman Hayatu assured he had sufficient troops, vehicles, and ammunition. Bayawo Abdullahi, a suspect, mobilized personnel from a naval unit with 14 troops and three operational Hilux vehicles.
Treatment of Senior Officers
Major Ibrahim told investigators he cautioned Ma’aji against bloodshed, arguing that successful coups rely on cooperation rather than elimination. Lieutenant-Colonel Hayatu also opposed killing. Ma’aji responded that service chiefs and designated targets would be arrested. However, Major A.D. Dauda told investigators that Ma’aji had said the former Chief of Defence Staff would have to be arrested or killed to prevent interference. Dauda said that conversation convinced him to distance himself from the plot.
Umoru, the Julius Berger employee, shared in a videoed interrogation that the level of force depended on cooperation from insiders. He warned Ma’aji that a sudden power outage would trigger investigations and detention of workers. Ma’aji then concluded he might enter the Villa with force if insiders failed to cooperate. Umoru and co-defendants are contesting the admissibility of the video exhibits in court.
Transition Plan
Major Ibrahim stated Ma’aji intended to assume office as Head of Government if the operation succeeded. Ma’aji planned to move into the Presidential Villa after securing access. He intended to announce new service chiefs during his inaugural address, though no names were disclosed. Participants were promised appointments: Major Jamilu requested to serve as an ADC, Lieutenant Felix was promised a ministerial appointment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bappah requested to be chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The coup allegation is subject to criminal proceedings at both the General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja. Six defendants face 13 counts of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. They challenge the admissibility of their statements, citing breaches of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The prosecution maintains proper procedures were followed. The court has yet to rule on the objection.
