Alleged Coup Plot Trial: Court Reviews Video Evidence as Defendants Face Serious Charges
A Federal High Court in Abuja has viewed video recordings of interviews with three defendants accused in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. While two defendants admitted awareness of the coup plot, one denied any knowledge, leading to a planned trial-within-trial to assess the voluntariness of their statements. The proceedings revealed details of reconnaissance, financial transactions, and coded communication surrounding the alleged scheme.
Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja have intensified as video recordings were played in the trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu.
The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, featured recorded interviews of three defendants, including retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and retired Major-General Mohammed Gana. While two acknowledged awareness of the alleged plot, one denied any involvement.
The court session was marked by legal objections from defense counsel, who challenged the admissibility of the video evidence and questioned whether the statements were made voluntarily.
However, the judge overruled these objections and ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the validity of the confessions. The prosecution maintains that the recordings were conducted in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure transparency and prevent coercion.
Details from the recordings revealed claims of financial transactions, reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, and the use of coded language linked to the alleged operation.
Some defendants admitted limited involvement or knowledge, while others distanced themselves entirely from the accusations. The federal government has filed multiple charges, including treason, terrorism, and money laundering, as the trial continues to unfold.