An ongoing high-profile trial involving six individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government continues at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF), has arraigned the defendants on a 13-count charge, FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, which includes offenses such as treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. Among the accused are retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Cap. (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd), Insp Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also implicated and listed as being at large.

Key testimonies emerged from video evidence played in court, featuring Zekari Umoru, the 4th defendant and an employee in the Maintenance Department of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Umoru asserted that he was deceived by co-suspects and was unaware of any concrete plan to overthrow the government, insisting his participation in related activities was unintentional. His involvement began in May 2025 when Insp Ahmed Ibrahim, the 3rd defendant attached to the Presidential Clinic, introduced him to a man named Hassan Mohammed, who Umoru later identified as "Col. Mohammed Ma’aji." The introduction was ostensibly for electrical work at a construction site, leading Umoru to initially believe Ma’aji was a civilian businessman.

Umoru recounted numerous instances of receiving money from Ma’aji, sometimes in the presence of Ibrahim. During a meeting at a location called "Tiger Bar," Ma’aji distributed between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 to Umoru and his associates after inquiring about their professions. A more significant transaction occurred on September 24, 2025, when Umoru allegedly received a "Ghana-Must-Go" bag containing cash from Ma’aji. He deposited this money at a Zenith Bank branch, where it was counted as ₦8.8 million. The following day, Umoru and Ibrahim met Ma’aji again and received an additional ₦2 million, with Ibrahim instructed to provide further details.

Becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the continuous flow of money, Umoru pressed Ibrahim for clarification. Ibrahim reportedly explained that Ma’aji was discontent with the state of the country and intended to "sanitize the government" with the support of unnamed associates referred to as "boys." Ibrahim also allegedly suggested a plan involving an ambulance driver to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa, with expectations of financial gain. Despite these revelations, Umoru maintained his ignorance of any coup plot, reiterating that he was misled by Ibrahim. He expressed regret, apologized to his employers, and affirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration, stating he would have distanced himself from Ma’aji had he known he was a military officer or had intentions beyond business dealings.

Umoru also detailed an incident where he escorted an associate of Ma’aji, Usman (later discovered to be military personnel), into the Presidential Villa. Security personnel at the gate reportedly did not question their entry after Umoru indicated Usman was there to see him. Umoru later found Usman taking photographs in his office and promptly warned him against such actions, emphasizing his lack of knowledge about any ulterior motives.

Another video recording presented in court featured an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who testified that he relocated to Karu, Abuja, after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri, Borno. Goni vehemently denied any involvement in the coup plot, stating that he received funds from Colonel Ma’aji strictly for prayers and charitable purposes, including requests for spiritual intervention following an alleged setback in his promotion. He insisted that all cash received was tied to religious activities and not political or military objectives.

However, investigators highlighted discrepancies between Goni’s claims and financial records during the video session. These records indicated that funds had been transferred to Goni as early as March 2023, predating the promotion issues he cited by several months. Furthermore, additional records showed transactions totaling millions of naira, including a significant ₦10 million transfer in October 2024. Investigators suggested that discussions referenced in the videos, such as remarks about "gaining access" and acquiring "work tools," raised serious concerns about a broader, illicit scheme, despite both Umoru and Goni denying knowledge of a coup plot.

Following the presentation of the video-recorded extra-judicial statements, counsel to Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, Michael Numa, SAN, informed the court that he had just received his client’s video exhibit and requested more time for review. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to May 11, May 12, and May 13 for the continuation of the trial.