“I Was Misled” - Defendant Denies Knowledge of Alleged Coup Plot

“I Was Misled” – Defendant Denies Knowledge of Alleged Coup Plot
Defendant Admits Cash Deals
Says “I Would Have Walked Away”

The ongoing alleged coup plot trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja took another turn as the fourth defendant, Zekeri Umoru, denied any knowledge of plans to overthrow the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting he was simply “misled.”

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Umoru, who works in the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa through Julius Berger Nigeria, made the statement in a video recording played in court as part of the prosecution’s evidence against six individuals facing trial.

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Proceedings began on a solemn note, as the court observed a minute of silence following the reported death of a lawyer, U.H. Kamra, who was said to have died in a car accident after the previous day’s sitting. Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, then ordered that the trial continue.

In the video, Umoru explained that his involvement started through his acquaintance with Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, one of the co-defendants. He said Ibrahim introduced him to a man he initially believed to be a businessman, later identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

According to Umoru, what began as a supposed business relationship soon involved multiple cash exchanges. He told investigators that he received money on several occasions, including a large sum of ₦8.8 million, which he said he deposited in a bank. Another ₦2 million was allegedly handed to him shortly after.

He said he later became uneasy about the repeated payments and demanded an explanation. It was at that point, he claimed, that Ibrahim hinted at dissatisfaction with the state of the country and spoke about a plan to “sanitise the government.”

“I Was Misled” - Defendant Denies Knowledge of Alleged Coup Plot — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Despite these revelations, Umoru maintained that he had no knowledge of any coup plan. He insisted that had he known the true identity or intentions of those involved, he would have distanced himself immediately.

He admitted, however, to escorting an associate into the Presidential Villa, noting that the individual was allowed entry after he identified him as a visitor. He also said he later noticed the visitor taking photographs and warned him against it.

Expressing regret, Umoru apologised for his actions and reaffirmed his support for the current administration.

The court also reviewed a separate video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied any role in the alleged plot.

Goni said the money he received was for prayers and charitable purposes, although investigators pointed to financial transactions running into millions of naira that raised further questions.

Prosecutors argued that some of the conversations and actions captured in the videos such as discussions about access and “work tools” suggested a broader plan, even though the defendants denied involvement.

Following the session, defence lawyers requested more time to review the video evidence, while the prosecution pushed for a speedy trial. The court eventually adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation.

The case continues to draw attention, especially after earlier hearings where other defendants admitted to meetings and coded communications but denied participating in any concrete plan to overthrow the government.