Fresh court documents have revealed how a police inspector attached to the Presidential Villa allegedly deceived individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration by collecting money from them while falsely claiming he could facilitate access to Aso Rock.
The allegations are contained in investigative documents filed as part of ongoing criminal proceedings involving serving and retired military officers, civilians and the police officer. None of the claims has been proven in court, and all the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecution, the suspected conspirators considered gaining access to the heavily guarded Presidential Villa a crucial part of their alleged plan and approached Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was assigned to VIP escort duties and security within the Villa.
Rather than immediately reporting the alleged approach to security authorities, investigators claim Ibrahim pretended he could assist the group while secretly exploiting them for financial gain.
Military Officers, Civilians Face Trial
The latest revelations come as 36 serving military officers are facing a General Court Martial in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the suspected coup plot.
Separately, six defendants—including retired Major-General Muhammed Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani—are standing trial before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 13-count charge.
The defendants have denied all allegations and are contesting parts of the prosecution’s evidence, including statements allegedly obtained during the investigation.
Investigators also claim the alleged conspiracy, uncovered in September 2025, was not the group’s first attempt to seize power.
According to the prosecution, an earlier plan to disrupt President Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023 allegedly failed because of inadequate funding and logistical challenges.
The documents further allege that the operation was revived in 2025 with financial backing that investigators claim included nearly ₦1 billion allegedly linked to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva through a Bureau De Change operator. Those allegations have not been established in court.
Inspector Recounts First Contact
In a statement attributed to him by investigators, Ibrahim said he first met one of the alleged masterminds, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, during a Ramadan lecture at Abuja’s Central Mosque after an introduction by Corporal Audu Momoh.
Recalling the introduction, Ibrahim stated:
“I didn’t know Col Ma’aji in person until during this year’s fasting lecture at Central Mosque in Central Area, Abuja.”
He said later meetings centred on discussions about Nigeria’s economic situation and delayed military promotions before Ma’aji allegedly disclosed plans to remove the government.
According to Ibrahim, Ma’aji allegedly argued that the government “was not being sincere to the citizens” and that worsening economic hardship meant “they need to be flushed out.”
The inspector told investigators that Ma’aji subsequently requested his assistance in securing access to the Presidential Villa.
‘We Agreed To Buy Him Time’
Ibrahim claimed he never intended to help the alleged plotters carry out their plans.
Instead, he said he collaborated with Zekeri Umoru, an electrician working at the Presidential Villa, to convince Ma’aji that arrangements were being made while collecting money from him.
According to the statement, Ibrahim said:
“We agreed to just buy Col Ma’aji time and get what we can get, knowing that penetrating the Villa is not feasible.”
He alleged that Ma’aji later transferred various sums—including ₦200,000, ₦100,000, ₦50,000 and ₦20,000—into his bank accounts, in addition to Ramadan and Sallah gifts.
The inspector also claimed he received ₦1 million in cash from Ma’aji before his wedding in October 2025.
Investigators said Ibrahim admitted spending part of the money on wedding expenses, while another portion allegedly went toward school fees for the children of Corporal Momoh.
Alleged Tours of Presidential Villa
Despite insisting that access to the Villa for any unlawful purpose was impossible, Ibrahim admitted escorting two serving major-generals through parts of the Presidential Villa at Ma’aji’s request.
Investigators allege those visits form part of the evidence in the ongoing prosecution.
The investigation also uncovered a series of coded expressions allegedly used by members of the suspected network.
According to Ibrahim’s statement, “farmer” referred to troops, “fertiliser” and “equipment” meant money, “harvesting” referred to overthrowing the government, while “farmland” represented the Presidential Villa.
The term “master of ceremony,” investigators alleged, was used to refer to the Commander-in-Chief.
Inspector Admits Failing To Report Alleged Plot
Although Ibrahim maintained he only intended to deceive the alleged conspirators for financial gain, he admitted he never informed his superiors or any security agency after learning of the alleged coup discussions.
When questioned by investigators about his failure to report the matter, he reportedly replied that it was because of “fear of the unknown.”
The prosecution further alleges that Ibrahim fabricated influential contacts who could supposedly raise funds for the operation and repeatedly requested additional money from Ma’aji under false pretences, including claiming funds were needed for “gate guys” who would allegedly facilitate entry into the Presidential Villa.
The allegations contained in the investigative documents remain before the courts and have not been proven. Proceedings continue at both the Federal High Court in Abuja and the General Court Martial, where all defendants have maintained their innocence and pleaded not guilty.
