Court Reviews Investigators’ Videos in Tinubu Overthrow Plot Trial

Court Reviews Investigators’ Videos in Tinubu Overthrow Plot Trial
Two Defendants Admit Awareness
One of the key moments in court came from the video of Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House

Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja took a dramatic turn as the court watched video recordings of interrogation sessions involving some of the men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the videos, presented by the prosecution, captured interviews with three of the six defendants standing trial.

In the recordings played in open court, two of the defendants; retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledged they were aware of the alleged coup plot.

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However, a third defendant, retired Major General Mohammed Gana, denied having any knowledge of such plans.

The recordings, stored on a hard drive, immediately sparked objections from defence lawyers, who argued that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily. They also challenged the decision to play the videos in court before they were formally admitted as evidence.

But presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed the objections and allowed the videos to be played, describing the move as standard courtroom procedure. She noted that the concerns raised by the defence would be addressed through a “trial-within-trial” to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.

One of the key moments in court came from the video of Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House. In his recorded statement, he explained that he was initially approached to help facilitate the promotion of a colleague, but that the conversation later shifted to discussions about an alleged plan to overthrow the government.

Ibrahim admitted receiving between ₦1.4 million and ₦1.5 million and taking part in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. He also said he took photographs of sensitive areas, including the President’s residence, and discussed possible access routes.

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According to him, coded language was used during their discussions, with terms like “fertiliser” and “farming” allegedly referring to funding and operational plans.

Despite these admissions, Ibrahim maintained that he never took the plot seriously. He said he only went along with the conversations because he believed it would be impossible for anyone involved to gain access to the State House.

The court also heard that investigators informed each defendant at the start of their interviews that the sessions would be recorded, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. They were also told of their right to remain silent and assured that the recordings were meant to ensure transparency and prevent coercion.

The case has been adjourned, with further hearing scheduled to continue today at 11 a.m.