A Federal High Court in Abuja has played video recordings of police interview sessions involving three out of six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The footage, shown in open court, captured interrogation sessions with retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and retired Major General Mohammed Gana, all of whom are accused persons in the case.
During the recordings, Victor and Ibrahim admitted awareness of an alleged coup plot, while Gana denied any knowledge of such a plan.
The prosecution tendered the recordings as evidence via a hard drive, but defence lawyers objected, arguing that the statements were not made voluntarily and should not be admitted or played in open court.
Despite the objection, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik allowed the videos to be played, noting that it is standard judicial practice, while also ordering that a trial-within-trial would later be conducted to determine whether the statements were made under duress.
In his recorded interview, Major General Gana said he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 and insisted he had no involvement in any coup planning. He acknowledged knowing one of the alleged masterminds, Colonel Ma’aji, but said he had no knowledge of any plot and would have reported it if he did.
He also addressed allegations linking him to suspicious financial transfers and the sharing of past coup-related messages, explaining that he only forwarded materials without editing or originating them.
Retired Captain Victor admitted knowing about discussions suggesting a possible overthrow of government but claimed he discouraged the idea and did not report it due to his personal relationship with the suspect. He also denied participating in any operational or financial aspects of the alleged plot, though he acknowledged continued communication with some individuals involved.
Victor expressed regret during the interview, stating he wished he had reported the matter to authorities and appealed for leniency.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially approached to assist with promotion-related lobbying for the alleged mastermind but later became aware of discussions about a coup plot.
He admitted receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including photographing sensitive areas and discussing possible access routes. He also confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used to refer to operational plans and funding.
All three interviews were recorded as part of investigations conducted under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), with investigators stating that the recordings were intended to ensure transparency and confirm that statements were voluntary.
The court adjourned the matter to Tuesday, May 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.
