Federal High Court Abuja
The trial over an alleged coup plot against the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu took a dramatic turn on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the fourth defendant, Zekeri Umoru, denied any involvement in plans to overthrow the government, insisting he had been “misled.”
In a recorded video statement played in open court, Umoru an employee of Julius Berger Nigeria assigned to maintenance duties at the Presidential Villa told investigators he was unaware of any coup-related activities. He explained that his interactions with key figures in the case were initially presented to him as legitimate business engagements.
According to his testimony, Umoru was introduced by the third defendant, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim of the Presidential Clinic, to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, later revealed to be Mohammed Ma’aji, the alleged principal suspect. Umoru claimed he believed Ma’aji to be a civilian businessman offering electrical work opportunities tied to a construction project.
He recounted receiving multiple cash payments during meetings involving Ibrahim and other associates, including one occasion at a social venue where sums ranging between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 were allegedly distributed. He further disclosed that on September 24, 2025, he received a large cash-filled bag, popularly referred to as a “Ghana Must Go,” which he deposited at a branch of Zenith Bank, amounting to ₦8.8 million. An additional ₦2 million was allegedly handed to him the following day.
Umoru stated that his suspicions were raised by the repeated payments, prompting him to seek clarification from Inspector Ibrahim. He alleged that Ibrahim later hinted at dissatisfaction with the state of the country and spoke of plans to “sanitise the government,” suggesting the involvement of unnamed collaborators. Despite this, Umoru maintained he had no knowledge of any coup plot and would have severed ties had he been aware of such intentions.
The defendant also admitted facilitating access for an associate into the Presidential Villa, stating that security clearance was granted after he identified the individual as a visitor. He expressed regret over his actions, apologised to his employers, and reaffirmed his support for the current administration.
In a related development, an Islamic cleric, Kassim Goni, also denied any involvement in the alleged plot. In a separate video presented in court, he insisted that funds received from Ma’aji were solely for prayers and charitable causes. However, investigators challenged this claim, citing financial records that allegedly showed multi-million-naira transactions, including a reported ₦10 million transfer.
Prosecutors argued that elements within the statements such as discussions about access to restricted locations and acquisition of “work tools” suggested the possibility of a coordinated scheme. Nonetheless, both Umoru and Goni rejected any link to coup activities.
During proceedings, defence counsel Michael Numa requested additional time to review newly submitted video evidence, while the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, pushed for an expedited hearing in line with earlier court directives.
Presiding judge Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of the trial, as legal arguments and evidentiary reviews are expected to intensify in the coming sessions.
