‘I Was Misled’ — Coup Suspect Opens Up in Court Over Alleged Plot Against Tinubu

A key suspect in the ongoing trial involving a planned overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration has told an Abuja court that he was completely unaware of any treasonable agenda.

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Zekeri Umoru, the fourth defendant in the case, claimed during a recorded interrogation played in court on Tuesday that “I was misled” by individuals he believed were simple business associates.

Umoru, who serves in the maintenance unit of the Presidential Villa under Julius Berger, maintained that his interactions with high-ranking suspects were strictly based on professional electrical work.

The trial, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, opened with a moment of silence following the tragic death of a defense lawyer, U.H. Kamra, in a car accident. Once the session resumed, the prosecution presented video evidence showing Umoru explaining his ties to the other accused persons.

He noted that his first point of contact was Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, a staff member at the Presidential Clinic. Ibrahim reportedly introduced him to a man he knew as Hassan Mohammed, who was later revealed to be Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

Umoru told investigators he assumed Ma’aji was a private businessman looking for electrical services on a new project.

Financial details emerged during the video presentation, where Umoru admitted to receiving substantial sums of money from Ma’aji. He described one instance at Tiger Bar where Ma’aji distributed between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 to those present after asking about their jobs.

More significant was a “Ghana Must Go” bag delivered to him on September 24, 2025, which contained ₦8.8 million. Umoru claimed he deposited this cash at a Zenith Bank branch. He also mentioned receiving an additional ₦2 million the following day during a meeting with Inspector Ibrahim.

According to the defendant’s statement, he only grew suspicious when the cash payments became frequent. When he asked for clarity, Inspector Ibrahim allegedly confided that Ma’aji was dissatisfied with the nation’s direction and intended to “sanitise the government” using a group referred to as “the boys.”

Ibrahim also allegedly discussed using an ambulance driver to gain unauthorized entry into the Presidential Villa. Despite these revelations, Umoru told the court he never signed on for a coup and was under the impression that he was being paid for legitimate consultancy and site visits.

The court also reviewed a separate video featuring an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni. Goni denied any criminal intent, stating that millions of naira transferred to his accounts were meant for spiritual prayers and charity.

However, prosecution investigators challenged this claim, pointing to a ₦10 million transfer in October 2024 that they believe suggests a more coordinated financial backing for the alleged plot.

Following the evidence presentation, the defense team requested more time to study the video exhibits. Although the prosecution pushed for an immediate continuation, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 11, 12, and 13, 2026. The trial continues to scrutinize the movements of several security officials and civilians accused of conducting reconnaissance around the seat of power.