Two suspects in video evidence: our role in planned coup
The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday watched video recordings of investigators’ interview sessions with three of the six men being prosecuted over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration
The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday watched video recordings of investigators’ interview sessions with three of the six men being prosecuted over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Two of the defendants - retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor and Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim - admitted being aware of the alleged coup plot.
Retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied knowledge of any plan to overthrow the government.
The recordings were contained in a hard disc tendered by the prosecution.
Defence lawyers objected to its admissibility, arguing that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily.
They also opposed the playing of the recordings. But they were admitted in evidence.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objections and ordered that the videos be played, describing it as standard practice.
She, however, noted the defence objections and said a trial-within-trial would be conducted to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
The first interview session played 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 said he knew the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, and was aware that he had issues with his promotion, but denied knowing he was planning a coup.
He added that if he had known, he would have reported him.
The retired general said investigators linked him to the plot over a N2 million transfer.
He admitted sharing via WhatsApp a copy of the coup speech read by Joshua Dongoyaro during an earlier coup in the country, as well as anti-government messages.
He, however, said he merely forwarded the materials as received and neither originated nor edited them.
When investigators told him that the speech recovered from Ma’aji resembled the one he shared, Gana said he knew nothing about it.
He also denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa or helping to raise funds for the plot.
Retired Captain Victor admitted knowing Ma’aji and being aware of the alleged plan to overthrow the government, but said he failed to report it because of his relationship with him.
According to Victor, Ma’aji had complained bitterly about his stalled promotion and “out of anger, he said he wanted to overthrow the system.”
Victor said he advised him against such action and suggested retirement instead.
He admitted being approached to provide financial support, help raise funds and secure accommodation for the alleged plotters, with promises of an appointment if the coup succeeded.
The retired Navy captain said that although he continued communicating with Ma’aji through a secure messaging platform and knew coded language was being used, he never participated in operational activities or rendered assistance.
Victor said his closeness to Ma’aji clouded his judgment and prevented him from reporting the matter to security agencies.
He expressed regret for his failure to act and pleaded for clemency.
“I feel so bad that I find myself in this situation,” he said, likening his predicament to being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
He added that if the government could grant amnesty to repentant terrorists and bandits, he, too, deserved forgiveness because he had served the country meritoriously in the Navy.
Inspector Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially approached to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion through his contacts.
He said discussions later shifted to alleged plans to overthrow the government.
Ibrahim admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance 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 areas, while possible access routes were discussed.
The inspector also confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used during conversations to refer to funding and the alleged operation.
He, however, maintained that he merely played along because he knew it would be impossible for the plotters to gain access to the State House.
At the start of each interview session, investigators explained that the audiovisual recordings were being made in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
They said the recordings were intended to establish that the statements were made voluntarily and not obtained through coercion, torture or promises of favour.
The defendants were also informed of their right to remain silent.
Further hearing resumes today at 11 a.m.
