A retired Nigerian Army Major General, Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, has denied any involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, insisting that he has no knowledge of any coup-related activities and only became entangled in the investigation due to routine communication with a former military colleague.
Gana made the clarification during interrogation by a multi-agency investigative panel probing alleged conspiracy involving serving and retired military officers as well as civilians.
Investigators had alleged that his name appeared on a financial record linked to suspected coup funding, including a reported ₦2 million transfer. The retired general confirmed receiving the money but maintained that it was a personal gesture from a colleague and not connected to any unlawful activity.
The Nigerian Army had earlier informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that it uncovered what it described as a coordinated plan to destabilise the government through a coup attempt. The allegations reportedly include secret meetings, planned attacks, and suspicious financial transactions involving large sums of money.
A masked military intelligence witness told the court that the investigation began after credible intelligence suggested that some serving and retired security personnel, alongside civilians, were involved in efforts to overthrow the government.
Gana, who retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 after a 35-year career and last served as Chief of Defence Logistics, said he has lived quietly since leaving service, focusing mainly on farming and family life. He maintained that he has never been arrested, indicted, or charged with any criminal offence.
He also explained that his relationship with Colonel Ma’aji, another officer linked to the case, dates back to their time at the Nigerian Defence Academy and continued on a professional and social level after retirement. According to him, their interactions included occasional financial assistance during personal difficulties.
Addressing claims of suspicious WhatsApp messages, Gana said he often forwarded content without reading or attaching meaning to it, insisting that most of the materials were already in circulation online and not authored by him.
He firmly denied any knowledge of coup planning or involvement in subversive activity, adding that his military experience made him believe such actions would be swiftly detected and stopped.
The retired general also rejected suggestions that his communications indicated support for military rule, stating that he does not believe in military governance.
Gana expressed frustration over being linked to the allegations, insisting he is being wrongly associated with the case and maintaining that he has no role in any attempt to destabilise the government.
He reiterated his innocence, saying he never discussed or participated in any coup-related planning.
