Headline: Alleged Coup Plot Against Nigerian President Tinubu Unveiled in Court
In a shocking courtroom revelation, details of an alleged coup plot targeting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and other top government officials have emerged. The case, heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, centers on Zekeri Umoru, an employee of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, who is accused of being part of the conspiracy.
According to Umoru, the plan involved cutting off electricity to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to facilitate the coup. He disclosed this in a video played during the court proceedings, where he admitted to discussing the scheme with other suspects. Umoru, who works in the Maintenance Department at the Villa, claimed he warned that such an action would lead to immediate investigations and the arrest of staff on duty.
The alleged mastermind, retired Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, reportedly sought to recruit between 18 and 19 individuals from within the Villa, including soldiers, State Security Service (SSS) officials, and Julius Berger staff. Umoru alleged that Ma’aji offered him money through Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, a co-defendant, to help orchestrate the recruitment.
In a chilling admission, Umoru stated that Ma’aji insisted he could gain access to the Villa “with force,” even if those recruited refused to cooperate. Ibrahim allegedly demanded ₦100 million (approximately $67,000) to facilitate the operation through an ambulance route into the Villa, but Ma’aji reportedly deemed the amount too high.
Umoru claimed he grew uneasy with the plan and attempted to return the money he had received. He emphasized that accessing the Presidential Villa “was no child’s play” and denied allegations that he intended to sabotage the Villa’s solar power plant.
When questioned about his failure to report the conspiracy immediately, Umoru said he was discouraged by Inspector Ibrahim, who allegedly asked him to delete messages and avoid contacting Ma’aji due to an ongoing office audit.
The case, which involves six defendants, is part of a broader trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements made by the accused. The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has charged the defendants on 13 counts, including treason, terrorism, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
Among those named in the charges are retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva, who is allegedly connected to the plot, is currently at large.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 21 for further proceedings. The allegations have sparked widespread concern over Nigeria’s political stability and raised questions about security measures at the highest levels of government.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in maintaining national security and protecting its democratic institutions. As the trial continues, Nigerians await answers to the unsettling questions raised by this alleged coup plot.
— Reported by Nexio News
