The witness, a member of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police identified only as “AAA,” appeared as the fourth prosecution witness and said he was part of the investigative team that handled the matter.
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja how it uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a protected military witness testified against six defendants standing trial over the case.
The witness, a member of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police identified only as “AAA,” appeared as the fourth prosecution witness and said he was part of the investigative team that handled the matter.
Those facing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.
During proceedings, the witness said the investigation began after the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence that Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others were planning to topple the government.
He told the court that the intelligence was analysed and found credible, leading to a directive for a full investigation and subsequent arrests.
According to him, Colonel Ma’aji was arrested, and a Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter were recovered from him.
He said the jotter contained operational details, including names of top government officials and security officers allegedly marked as targets during the planned coup.
The witness added that forensic analysis of the recovered phone revealed communications linking the suspects, including some serving officers and the defendants in court.
He further disclosed that investigators traced financial transactions connecting the alleged plotters, including former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, who was mentioned in the charge and is said to have left the country.
According to him, funds were allegedly moved through a company, Purple Wave, which investigators identified as a channel used to finance the plot.
He said records obtained with the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission showed multiple transactions between September and October 2025, with sums ranging from ₦50 million to ₦100 million.
Although the transactions carried descriptions suggesting legitimate purposes, the witness told the court that investigations linked them to the alleged coup plot.
The court also heard that meetings were held at locations including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel in Abuja, where discussions allegedly centred on removing the current government.
The witness said the group identified key targets, including military barracks, and planned to take control of major roads and strategic locations during the operation.
He added that roles were assigned among the alleged plotters, including proposed appointments and restructuring plans for government institutions after the takeover.
The witness further told the court that some of the defendants participated in consultations related to the plot and received payments.
He said vehicles allegedly intended for operational use were also recovered while being modified.
During the hearing, the court admitted several exhibits, including financial documents, phone extracts and records linked to hotel bookings, despite objections from defence counsel.
A flash drive containing video recordings of statements made by the defendants was also presented, though the court directed that it be served on the defence before it could be played openly.
Earlier, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted an application by the Federal Government to shield the identities of certain witnesses, citing security concerns.
The court held that the measure was necessary given the sensitive nature of the case, which involves allegations bordering on terrorism.
The defence, however, argued that total anonymity could affect fair hearing, urging the court to balance security with the rights of the defendants.
The case was adjourned to May 4 and 5 for continuation of trial.
The Federal Government has accused the defendants of treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering.
It alleged that they conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state and failed to report the planned coup despite prior knowledge.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on April 22 and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services pending the outcome of the trial.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep