The prosecution on Wednesday opened its case in the trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Bola Tinubu, calling four witnesses to testify.
A key witness, a soldier with the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police who testified under the code name “AAA,” detailed how the alleged coup plot was uncovered and what investigators discovered during their probe.
According to the witness, the investigation began after the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence indicating that Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others were planning to topple the democratically elected government. The report was analyzed, deemed credible, and a directive was issued to launch a full investigation.
The witness said he was part of the team that arrested Col. Ma’aji, during which they recovered his Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter from his residence. The jotter allegedly contained operational plans, names of senior government officials, and a list of officers marked for assassination as part of the coup execution.
Further analysis of the phone reportedly uncovered detailed plans linking Ma’aji with other suspects, including financial connections involving former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva and some of the defendants.
Investigators also identified a company, Purple Wave, which the witness described as a conduit for funding the alleged plot. Financial records obtained from the EFCC showed multiple large transactions—ranging from ₦50 million to ₦100 million—between September and October 2025, which the prosecution claims were used to finance the operation.
Although some transactions were labeled as legitimate business expenses, such as coastal clearing projects, the witness said investigations revealed they were diverted to support the coup.
The court also heard that several strategy meetings were held in Abuja at locations including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel. During these meetings, the alleged plotters reportedly expressed anti-government sentiments and agreed on the need for regime change.
According to the witness, the group mapped out attack targets, including military barracks housing senior officers, and planned to seize key roads during the operation. Roles were allegedly assigned among the conspirators, including positions in a proposed post-coup government.
He added that the suspects engaged in consultations and “divination,” received funds for these activities, and procured vehicles later modified for operational use.
Investigators said they recovered hotel receipts and other evidence linking the defendants to these meetings. The court admitted several documents into evidence, including hotel records, bank statements, and phone extracts.
The prosecution also presented bank officials from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank, who submitted account records tied to the defendants and associated companies.
While the defence objected to some evidence, particularly a flash drive containing recorded statements, the court ruled that the materials must first be shared with the defence before being played.
The case has been adjourned until May 4 and 5, when the fourth prosecution witness is expected to continue testimony.
