The Nigerian Army confirmed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that it uncovered a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration through a coup d'etat. A witness from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, whose identity was concealed by court order, testified against six alleged masterminds of the conspiracy.
Defendants and Charges
The defendants facing charges include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, among others. The prosecution also named former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva in the charges, stating he is currently at large after fleeing the country.
Investigation Details
The witness, identified only as 'AAA,' testified that the investigation began after the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence about a plot led by Colonel M. A. Ma'aji. Following the colonel's arrest, investigators recovered a Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter containing 'operational plans, names and designations of ranking members of the current regime, as well as officers that were to be assassinated in the course of the coup,' the witness said.
Forensic analysis of the phone allegedly revealed financial links between Ma'aji, Timipre Sylva, and several defendants. The witness identified a company called 'Purple Wave' as a conduit for sponsoring the plot, with bank records showing suspicious transactions totaling hundreds of millions of naira between September and October 2025.
Clandestine Meetings
According to the testimony, the plotters held clandestine meetings at various Abuja hotels where they 'discussed negative things about the government and concluded that there was the need for a regime change.' The witness further alleged that the group planned to attack senior military housing at the Niger barracks and seize control of major highways. 'The plotters also did extensive consultation and divination, in which some of the defendants took part, knowing that a coup was ongoing,' the witness added.
Evidence and Proceedings
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted several documents and digital extracts as evidence, despite objections from the defense team regarding the front-loading of certain exhibits. Earlier in the session, the court granted a request to mask the identities of military witnesses to protect them from potential attacks.
The defendants face charges of treason, terrorism, and money laundering. The Federal Government alleges they conspired in September 2025 to levy war against the state to overawe the President. The trial has been adjourned until May 4 and 5 for further hearing.
