Accused Denies Coup Plot Allegations in Abuja Court
Zekeli Umolu, one of six individuals facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu, has denied any involvement in the conspiracy. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, is centered around serious allegations against high-profile figures.
The defendants, who were arraigned in court on April 22, include former Bayelsa State Governor Timiprei Sylva, currently reported to be on the run, as well as Major General Mohamed Ibrahim Gana (retired) and retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegovia Victor. Others included are Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeli Umolu, Bukal Qasim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The indictment outlines a conspiracy to wage war against the state, allegedly aimed at overthrowing the President of Nigeria in 2025. This action would contravene the provisions outlined in Section 37(2) of the Code Cap 38 LFN of 2004.
During the trial, video evidence showcased Umolu’s testimony, wherein he stated that his involvement began when Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, assigned to the presidential clinic at the villa, introduced him to a so-called businessman named Hassan Mohammed, who was later revealed to be Col. Mohammed Maaji.
Employed by Julius Berger Nigeria’s Presidential Villa Maintenance Department, Umolu recounted receiving multiple cash payments from Maaji during a meeting attended by Inspector Ibrahim and another colleague. He described how Maaji allegedly distributed sums between 100,000 and 120,000 naira after purchasing drinks for them and inquiring about their jobs.
According to Umolu, on September 24, 2025, Maaji handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag filled with cash, which he subsequently deposited at a Zenith Bank branch. The deposit was verified to be N8.8 million, with an additional N2 million counted the following day in the presence of Inspector Ibrahim.
Feeling uneasy about the cash transactions, Umolu sought clarification from Ibrahim and reported that he was informed Maaji was discontent with the country’s situation and intended to “cleanse the government” with the help of unnamed associates referred to as “the boys.” Umolu emphasized that he was misled into thinking that Maaji was merely a businessperson.
Additionally, Umolu acknowledged that he accompanied Usman to the presidential villa, where security personnel permitted entry after Usman stated he was there to see him. He later witnessed Usman taking photographs in his office and advised him against it. During his testimony, Umolu expressed remorse for his actions, apologized to his employer, and voiced his support for President Tinubu’s administration.
The proceedings also featured a video from Islamic cleric Sheikh Imam Goni, who denied any involvement in the alleged coup. Goni claimed that money received from Maaji was strictly for “prayer and charity purposes,” linked to spiritual needs regarding a setback in his promotion.
Investigators, however, presented financial records indicating substantial transfers, including a significant “10 million naira transfer” in October 2024, which appeared to contradict Goni’s statements. On Monday, the court reviewed another video in which other defendants allegedly confirmed their participation in encrypted communications and meetings near the presidential villa, yet denied any specific intent to overthrow the government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continued hearings, as the trial continues to unfold with grave implications for the accused.
