The prosecution on Wednesday opened its case against six men accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling four witnesses in court.
One of the key witnesses, a member of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, testified under anonymity (identified as “AAA”) and detailed how the alleged coup plot was uncovered.
According to the witness, the investigation began after intelligence was received by the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, indicating that Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others were planning to overthrow the government. The intelligence was assessed and deemed credible, leading to a full-scale investigation.
The witness told the court that Colonel Ma’aji was arrested and items recovered from him included a Samsung Galaxy phone and a personal notebook. The notebook allegedly contained operational plans, names of senior government officials, and details of individuals marked as targets during the planned coup.
Forensic analysis of the phone reportedly uncovered detailed communications linking Ma’aji with other suspects, including financial transactions. The witness further claimed that money trails connected the accused persons, as well as former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, to the alleged plot.
Investigators also identified a company, Purple Wave Ltd., which was allegedly used to channel funds for the operation. Financial records presented in court indicated that over ₦600 million was disbursed between September and October 2025 through multiple transactions, ranging from ₦50 million to ₦100 million.
Although some transactions were labeled for legitimate purposes, such as infrastructure work, the witness stated that investigations revealed the funds were instead used to support the coup plot.
The court also heard that several meetings were held in Abuja at locations including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel, where participants allegedly discussed plans for regime change and shared roles for a post-coup government.
According to the testimony, the suspects identified key government and military targets, including senior officers living in Niger Barracks, and planned coordinated attacks and control of major roads. The witness also alleged that vehicles were acquired and modified for operational use.
Additionally, the plotters were said to have engaged in consultations and rituals, with some defendants receiving payments for their involvement.
The prosecution presented bank records from several financial institutions, including Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank, to support its claims. These documents were admitted into evidence after initial objections from defense lawyers.
However, the court ruled that audio-visual recordings of the defendants’ statements must first be shared with the defense before being played in court.
The case has been adjourned to May 4 and 5, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
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