The Nigerian Army has told the Federal High Court in
Abuja that it uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of
President Bola Tinubu through a coup d’état.
A witness from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military
Police, identified only as “AAA” due to a court order protecting his identity,
gave testimony against six individuals accused of masterminding the conspiracy.
Among those facing charges are retired Major General
Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and
serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim. Prosecutors also listed former Bayelsa
State Governor Timipre Sylva as part of the alleged plot, stating he is
currently on the run after leaving the country.
According to the witness, investigations began after
intelligence reached the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, about
a plan allegedly led by Colonel M. A. Ma’aji. Following Ma’aji’s arrest,
authorities reportedly recovered a Samsung Galaxy phone and a notebook said to
contain operational details, including names of key government figures and
military officers allegedly marked for assassination.
Forensic analysis of the phone, the court heard,
revealed financial connections between Ma’aji, Sylva, and other defendants.
The witness further claimed that a company named
“Purple Wave” was used to channel funds for the operation. Bank records
presented in court allegedly show suspicious transactions amounting to hundreds
of millions of naira between September and October 2025.
Testimony also indicated that the suspects held secret
meetings in various Abuja hotels, where they allegedly discussed
dissatisfaction with the government and concluded that a regime change was
necessary.
The group was also accused of planning attacks on
senior military residences at Niger barracks and taking control of major
highways as part of the plot. The witness added that some of the accused were
involved in consultations and divination rituals linked to the operation.
Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, admitted
several documents and digital evidence despite objections from the defence. The
court had earlier approved measures to conceal the identities of military
witnesses for security reasons.
The defendants are facing charges including treason,
terrorism, and money laundering. The Federal Government alleges they conspired
in September 2025 to wage war against the state and intimidate the President.
The case has been adjourned until May 4 and 5 for
further hearings.
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