The Federal Government has lined up 30 prosecution witnesses to testify against six individuals standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
The case is before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the accused persons face a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism financing, money laundering, and failure to disclose information relating to an alleged coup conspiracy.
According to court documents, prosecutors intend to rely on testimonies from investigators, military officers, forensic experts, bank officials, hotel representatives, and civilian witnesses to establish their case against the defendants.
The government alleges that the defendants conspired with Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji and other individuals currently at large to wage war against Nigeria and unlawfully remove President Tinubu from office.
Authorities further claim that some of the accused failed to report knowledge of the alleged coup plot, while others were involved in handling funds linked to the conspiracy.
The prosecution’s proof of evidence indicates that documentary exhibits, financial records, forensic analyses of electronic devices, and witness testimonies will form a major part of the evidence to be presented during the trial.
Investigators are expected to present findings from the probe, including documentary evidence recovered during the investigation. Forensic experts who extracted and analysed data from mobile phones seized from the defendants will also testify.
Officials from 13 financial institutions are expected to tender account opening documents, statements of account, and other banking records linked to the defendants and the alleged conspiracy. The banks include Access Bank, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), First Bank, Ecobank, Jaiz Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), SunTrust Bank, and Opay Digital Services Limited.
The prosecution will also call several civilian witnesses. Aminu Abdullahi is expected to testify on instructions allegedly received from Colonel Ma’aji as well as the receipt and disbursement of funds. Abdulganiyu Ahmed will testify regarding vehicles allegedly purchased in connection with the case, while Moses Opata is expected to provide evidence concerning contracts awarded for refurbishing vehicles allegedly linked to the defendants.
Another witness, Peter Gambo, a golf kit dealer, is expected to testify on the sale of golf kits to Squadron Leader Noel Zuzu.
Representatives of three hospitality establishments in Abuja and Kaduna have also been listed as witnesses. They are expected to provide information on hotel reservations and meetings allegedly organised by Colonel Ma’aji and other suspects. The establishments are Brookville Hotel & Suites in Abuja, Greenland Luxury Apartments in Abuja, and Hotel 17 in Kaduna.
Several military officers are also expected to testify on issues relating to arms and ammunition allegedly connected to the plot.
Captain Haruna, Officer Commanding the 81 Division Provost Company, is expected to testify regarding a military Hilux vehicle allegedly kept in Military Police custody.
Corporal Bejide Kehinde will provide evidence concerning arms and ammunition allegedly signed out from the armoury of the 130 Battalion in Maiduguri.
Colonel Y.B. Mohammed is expected to testify on arms and ammunition allegedly received for safekeeping at the 1 Division Garrison Armoury.
Brigadier General E. Agada will testify that the 403 Amphibious Brigade did not request the backloading of arms and ammunition from the 130 Battalion, while Captain K.I. Eromosele is expected to state that the 130 Battalion (Rear) did not request arms and ammunition from the 130 Battalion (Main).
The prosecution has also informed the court that it reserves the right to file additional evidence and call more witnesses as the trial progresses.
The trial is expected to focus on allegations that members of the group coordinated meetings, moved funds, procured vehicles, and attempted to acquire military equipment as part of a plan to forcibly remove the elected government.