A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday watched video recordings of investigators’ interview sessions with three of the six men being prosecuted over an alleged plot to overthrow the President Bola Tinubu administration.
In the video recordings played in open court, two of the three defendants, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (second and third defendants), admitted being aware of the coup plot, while retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied knowledge of the plot.
The video recordings are contained in a hard disc tendered by the prosecution, but against which lawyers to the defendants have raised objections about admissibility on the grounds that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily.
The defence lawyers also objected to having the recordings played in open court when they had yet to be admitted in evidence.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled them and ordered that the recordings be played, noting that it was standard practice.
Justice Abdulmalik said she noted the objection raised by the defence team and that a trial-within-trial would be conducted to ascertain the voluntariness or otherwise of the statements.
The first interview session shown was that of Maj. Gen. Gana, who said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since lived a quiet life.
Gana, who said he has never been involved in any act of indiscipline or crime, told investigators that he knows the alleged mastermind of the plot, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji.
Gana said he learnt that Ma’aji had issues with his promotion but did not know he was planning a coup, adding that if he was aware, he would have reported it.
The retired major general said his name first came up in connection with the alleged plot in relation to a two million naira transfer, which investigators linked to him.
He also admitted sharing via WhatsApp a copy of the coup speech read by Joshua Dongayaro during an earlier coup in the country.
He further admitted sharing, through the same means, some messages containing anti-government rhetoric, but explained that he only forwarded the material as received and did not edit or originate it.
When investigators told him that the coup speech recovered from Colonel Ma’aji was tailored in line with the coup-related speech he forwarded, Gana said he did not know.
He, however, denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa and participating in efforts to raise funds, including claims of sourcing billions from a former governor.
Retired Captain Victor (the second defendant) admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the plot to overthrow the government but did not report it to any security agency because of his relationship with him.
He said Ma’aji had complained about his stalled promotion and, “out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system.”
Victor said he advised against such an act and suggested that the officer consider retirement instead.
He admitted in the video that he was approached to render financial support, assist in raising funds for the plot, or help them acquire an apartment, with an assurance of being offered an appointment when the coup succeeded.
The retired Navy captain said he declined involvement in the plot, confirmed that he continued communication using a secure messaging platform, and acknowledged that coded language was used in discussions.
He insisted he was not part of any operational arrangement and that he never rendered any assistance as requested by Ma’aji.
Victor said his relationship with Ma’aji beclouded his thoughts, adding that if there had been no relationship between them, he would have reported to a security agency like the Navy.
The retired Navy captain said he regretted not reporting the plot.
Victor, who looked remorseful, expressed regret that he failed to report the plot to the appropriate authorities when he ought to have done so and appealed for clemency.
He said: “I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” likening it to being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Victor added that he was pleading for clemency, noting that the Almighty God regretted creating man but still continues to show mercy.
He said if the government could grant amnesty to terrorists and bandits who have taken the lives of innocent people, call them repentant, and reintegrate them into society, he should also be forgiven, having served the country meritoriously in the Navy.
Police Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially approached to help facilitate Colonel Ma’aji’s promotion through contacts within government circles.
Ibrahim said discussions between him and Ma’aji later shifted from promotion matters to alleged plans to overthrow the government.
He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance operations around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.
He said he took photographs of parts of the Presidential Villa, including the President’s residence and surrounding terrain, and discussed possible access routes.
The inspector further confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used during conversations to refer to funding and the alleged operation.
He maintained, however, that his involvement stemmed from misplaced judgment influenced by his relationship with the principal suspect.
Ibrahim said he merely played along with the alleged plotters because he knew it would be impossible for them to access the State House.
It was noted that at the beginning of every interview session, investigators explained to the defendants the rationale behind the audiovisual recording, which they said was in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The investigators added that the recording was being done to ensure that the statements made by each of the defendants were voluntary and not obtained under coercion, torture, or promises of favours.
They also told them that they had the right to remain silent if they chose not to say anything.
Further hearing resumes on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
