Military Officer Tells Court How Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu Government Was Uncovered
A military officer has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how security operatives uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Testifying as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of six men accused of treason and terrorism, the officer—whose identity was shielded for security reasons—said the investigation began after the Chief of Army Staff received intelligence that Colonel M.A. Ma’aji and others were planning to topple the current government.
According to the witness, the intelligence was analysed and found credible, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.
He told the court that investigators arrested Col. Ma’aji and recovered a Samsung phone and a jotter containing what he described as operational plans, names of top government officials, and details of officers allegedly marked for assassination during the planned coup.
The officer added that forensic analysis of the phone allegedly revealed communication trails, coded messages, and financial transactions linking some of the accused persons to the plot.
He also claimed investigators traced suspicious financial movements involving a company identified as Purple Wave, which was allegedly used to channel funds for the operation.
The witness told the court that several meetings were held in Abuja hotels and apartments where discussions allegedly centered on “regime change,” including plans to target key military locations, major highways, and government officials.
He further alleged that vehicles were procured and modified for operational use, while receipts and hotel records were recovered as part of the evidence.
The Federal Government is prosecuting six defendants on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence.
All six defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty, while former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva was also named in court filings and is reportedly at large.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned further hearing in the case to May 4 and 5.