By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A suspected coup plotter, Zekeri Umoru, on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that an alleged plan to infiltrate the Presidential Villa through the ambulance entrance formed part of a suspected coup operation targeting Aso Rock, while discussions also allegedly included disrupting electricity supply within the complex to aid the mission.
Court Hears Allegations During Trial Proceedings
The disclosure emerged during proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik as the court played video evidence linked to Umoru, the fourth defendant in the case.
Umoru, who works with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and is attached to the Maintenance Department at the Presidential Villa, claimed investigators questioned him over alleged discussions connected to the operation.
According to his testimony, he later realised that gaining access to the Presidential Villa was far more difficult than initially presented.
He also denied allegations that he had access to the Villa’s solar power facility or intended to sabotage electricity supply within the Presidential complex.
Alleged Recruitment Plan Inside Presidential Villa
During interrogation by the Special Investigative Panel (SIP), Umoru alleged that the suspected mastermind, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji, contacted him through Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim.
He claimed the objective was to recruit between 18 and 19 individuals working inside the Presidential Villa.
According to Umoru, those allegedly targeted included soldiers, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Julius Berger employees stationed within the complex.
He further alleged that Inspector Ibrahim demanded N100 million from Ma’aji to facilitate access through the ambulance route.
However, Umoru claimed Ma’aji rejected the request, describing the amount as excessive and insisting he could still force entry if internal support failed.
Defendant Claims He Tried to Withdraw
Umoru told the court that he later became uncomfortable with the alleged arrangement and repeatedly attempted to return money reportedly given to him.
He added that Inspector Ibrahim allegedly advised him against reporting the matter to security agencies.
According to Umoru, Ibrahim also instructed him to delete messages and avoid contacting Ma’aji because an audit was ongoing in their office.
Trial-Within-Trial Continues
Following the session, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned proceedings until May 21 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.
The exercise will determine whether statements obtained from the six defendants were made voluntarily.
Charges Filed by Federal Government
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), earlier arraigned the defendants before the court on a 13-count charge.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 and filed on April 20 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), names the defendants as:
- Retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana
- Retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor
- Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim
- Zekeri Umoru
- Bukr Kashim Goni
- Abdulkadir Sani
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was linked to the alleged plot, was listed in the charge as being at large.
The defendants face charges bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to alleged terrorism financing.
