ABUJA — Damning court testimony has exposed the terrifying mechanics of a foiled coup d’état aimed at assassinating President Bola Tinubu and top government officials to pave the way for military rule.
In a high-stakes hearing at the Federal High Court, a star witness from the Nigerian Army revealed that the conspirators had compiled a “death list” featuring the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The plotters reportedly intended to strike during the October 1st Independence Day celebrations, a threat so credible it forced the sudden cancellation of the national parade last year.
The Villa Breach
Evidence presented in court painted a picture of a sophisticated infiltration. The conspirators allegedly compromised security at the Presidential Villa by recruiting a site electrician, Zekeri Umoru, and staff from a major construction firm to obtain classified blueprints of the President’s residence. These documents were to be used to coordinate a precise ground assault on the seat of power.
Evidence presented in court painted a picture of a sophisticated infiltration. The conspirators allegedly compromised security at the Presidential Villa by recruiting a site electrician, Zekeri Umoru, and staff from a major construction firm to obtain classified blueprints of the President’s residence. These documents were to be used to coordinate a precise ground assault on the seat of power.
Investigators recovered a handwritten jotter from the home of one of the ringleaders, Colonel Mohammed Maaji, which contained not only the assassination targets but also a fully drafted cabinet. The “new government” included planned mergers of federal agencies and the pre-allocation of ministerial portfolios among the suspects.
The Financial Trail
The testimony also drew a direct line to high-level political funding. The court was told that financial intelligence linked the group to nearly ₦1 billion in transfers, allegedly bankrolled by former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva. While several high-ranking retired military officers and a police inspector are already in custody, Sylva is reported to have fled the country and remains at large.
The testimony also drew a direct line to high-level political funding. The court was told that financial intelligence linked the group to nearly ₦1 billion in transfers, allegedly bankrolled by former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva. While several high-ranking retired military officers and a police inspector are already in custody, Sylva is reported to have fled the country and remains at large.
The Arrests
The plot began to crumble after military intelligence intercepted encrypted communications on platforms like WhatsApp and Zangi. These messages detailed secret meetings held in various Abuja hotels where logistics for the takeover were finalised.
The plot began to crumble after military intelligence intercepted encrypted communications on platforms like WhatsApp and Zangi. These messages detailed secret meetings held in various Abuja hotels where logistics for the takeover were finalised.
Currently standing trial are retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, and several others. The trial has been adjourned to May 4, 2026, as the nation waits to see how deep the roots of this conspiracy truly go.
