A coup suspect has provided startling details of an alleged conspiracy to infiltrate the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Zekeri Umoru, a Julius Berger employee, admitted during a court proceeding that discussions took place regarding the possibility of cutting off electricity at the villa to facilitate a plot against President Bola Tinubu. The Federal High Court in Abuja is currently reviewing evidence as six defendants face charges ranging from treason to terrorism financing.
Video Evidence Presented in Court
On Wednesday, Umoru made his statement in a video played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He warned that any attempt to switch off the power supply would immediately trigger investigations and lead to the detention of workers on duty. Umoru works in the Maintenance Department of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the villa.
Recruitment of Security Personnel
In the video, Umoru alleged that Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, identified as the coup mastermind, offered him money through Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim to recruit between 18 and 19 individuals working inside the villa. Those targeted included soldiers, State Security Service officials, and Julius Berger staff. Umoru further claimed that Colonel Ma’aji insisted he could gain access to the villa “with force,” even if those recruited refused to cooperate.
Dispute Over N100 Million Demand
Umoru told investigators that Inspector Ibrahim later demanded N100 million from Colonel Ma’aji to facilitate entry into the villa through an ambulance route. However, Colonel Ma’aji reportedly refused, stating that the amount was excessive. Despite this, Colonel Ma’aji allegedly maintained that he could still force his way into the villa, though “there would be bloodshed.” Umoru said he became uncomfortable with the plan and attempted to return the money he had received, noting that accessing the villa “was no child’s play.”
Denial of Access to Solar Power Plant
Umoru denied ever having access to the villa’s solar power plant, despite allegations that he planned to sabotage the electricity supply within the complex. He explained that he did not report the alleged discussions immediately because Inspector Ibrahim discouraged him, asking him to delete messages and avoid contacting Colonel Ma’aji due to an ongoing audit at their office.
Trial Adjourned
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until May 21, 2026, for the continuation of the trial-within-trial. The court is seeking to determine whether the statements made by the six defendants were voluntary. The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, arraigned the defendants on a 13-count charge filed on April 20, 2026, by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.
Defendants and Charges
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, lists the following defendants: Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd), Cap. Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is alleged to be involved but is currently at large. The defendants face charges including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
