The Nigerian Army told the Federal High Court on Wednesday that it uncovered an alleged plot to remove the administration of President Bola Tinubu through a coup d’état.
A member of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, whose identity was concealed by court order, gave evidence against six persons accused of masterminding the alleged conspiracy.
Those standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, among others.
The prosecution also listed former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva in the case, alleging that he is currently at large after leaving the country.
The witness, identified only as “AAA,” said investigations began after the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence about a plot allegedly led by Colonel M. A. Ma’aji.
Following the colonel’s arrest, investigators reportedly recovered a Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter said to contain “operational plans, names and designations of ranking members of the current regime, as well as officers that were to be assassinated in the course of the coup,” the witness said.
According to the testimony, forensic checks on the phone allegedly exposed financial connections between Ma’aji, Timipre Sylva, and some of the defendants.
The witness also named a company called Purple Wave as a channel allegedly used to fund the plot, with bank statements showing suspicious transfers worth hundreds of millions of naira between September and October 2025.
He further stated that the suspects held secret meetings in different Abuja hotels where they “discussed negative things about the government and concluded that there was the need for a regime change.”
The witness also alleged that the group planned to attack senior military housing at the Niger barracks and take control of key highways.
“The plotters also did extensive consultation and divination, in which some of the defendants took part, knowing that a coup was ongoing,” the witness added.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted several documents and digital materials as evidence despite objections from defense lawyers. Earlier, the court approved a request to shield the identities of military witnesses for security reasons.
The defendants are facing charges bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering. The Federal Government of Nigeria alleges they conspired in September 2025 to wage war against the state and intimidate the President. The case was adjourned until May 4 and 5 for continuation of trial.