The prosecution on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, opened its case in the accelerated trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, calling four witnesses before the court.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that one of the key witnesses, a soldier from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, identified only as “AAA”, narrated how the alleged coup plot was uncovered and investigated.
Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness confirmed that he knew all six defendants, stating that they were arrested in connection with the alleged plot involving Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, other serving officers, and some civilians.
The witness told the court that the investigation began after the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received an intelligence report alleging that Col. Ma’aji and others were planning to overthrow the government.
According to him, the report was “analysed, processed, and found credible” before the Army chief directed a full-scale investigation.
He said, “After receiving the intelligence, it was carefully analysed and found to be credible, which led to the directive to investigate.”
The witness disclosed that Col. Ma’aji was subsequently arrested, and his Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter were recovered during a search of his residence.
He told the court that the jotter contained sensitive details, including operational plans, names of top government officials, and officers allegedly marked for assassination.
“Inside the jotter, we also found information about political and structural changes that were to be made upon the execution of the coup,” he said.
He added that forensic analysis of the phone uncovered “elaborate plans” and links between Ma’aji, other officers, and the defendants.
The witness further revealed that investigators traced financial links between the suspects and prominent individuals, including former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva.
“We also found financial trails between Ma’aji, former Governor Timipre Sylva, and some of the defendants here before the court,” he said.
He added that code words used by the alleged plotters were also discovered in the phone.
“We also observed financial trails between some of the defendants and Col. M. A. Ma’aji. Monies were paid to some of the defendants in pursuit of the coup plot,” the witness stated.
‘Purple Wave’ Firm Linked To Funding
The witness told the court that a company identified as Purple Wave was allegedly used as a conduit to finance the plot.
He said financial records obtained from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed suspicious transactions tied to the firm.
According to him, multiple large withdrawals were made within a short period:
- September 19, 2025: ₦100m and ₦50m debits
- September 22, 2025: ₦100m and ₦50m
- September 24, 2025: ₦100m and ₦50m
- September 26, 2025: ₦80m
- September 29, 2025: ₦70m
- September 30, 2025: ₦90m
- October 2, 2025: ₦90m
The witness said although the transactions carried official descriptions, investigations showed the funds were diverted.
“For instance, the ₦100m described as payment for clearing debris along the coastal corridor was not used for that purpose but dispensed in pursuit of the coup plot,” he explained.
The court also heard that several meetings were allegedly held in Abuja locations, including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel.
At these meetings, the witness said, participants expressed anti-government views and discussed the need for regime change.
“They discussed negative things about the government and concluded that there was a need for regime change,” he said.
The witness alleged that the plotters drew up a detailed execution plan, identifying key government officials and officers to be assassinated.
He added that strategic locations, including the Niger Barracks, were marked as targets, alongside plans to take control of major roads.
“The plotters also shared appointments among themselves, including agencies to be set up and those to be merged after the coup,” he stated.
According to the witness, the suspects also carried out consultations and “divination” as part of their preparations.
“They received money for these purposes,” he said, adding that vehicles were procured and later recovered while being modified “for kinetic purposes.”
Investigators also retrieved hotel receipts and confirmed locations where meetings were held.
Court Admits Documents, Delays Video Evidence
During proceedings, the prosecution tendered several documents, including hotel receipts and phone extracts, which were admitted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik despite objections from defence counsel.
However, an attempt to tender a flash drive containing audiovisual recordings of statements was resisted by the defence.
One of the defence lawyers, Paul Erokoro (SAN), argued that the device was not front-loaded. The prosecution conceded, prompting the court to order that the defence must first be served before the recordings could be played.
Bank Officials Testimony
Earlier, three bank officials testified for the prosecution, including compliance officers from Jaiz Bank and SunTrust Bank, as well as a legal officer from Providus Bank.
They tendered account statements linked to one of the defendants, Abdulkadir Sani, Purple Wave Ltd, and A & A Express Link.
The witnesses were subsequently cross-examined by defence counsel.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 4 and 5 for continuation of trial, with the fourth prosecution witness expected to resume testimony.