Video recordings of investigators’ interviews with three of the six defendants accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration were played on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The footage, presented by the prosecution through a hard drive, captured statements from Erasmus Victor, a retired navy captain; Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector; and Mohammed Gana, a retired major-general.

In the recordings, Victor and Ibrahim acknowledged being aware of discussions surrounding the alleged plot, while Gana denied having any knowledge of it.

Lawyers representing the defendants challenged the admissibility of the video evidence, arguing that the statements were not made voluntarily. They also opposed the public playing of the recordings, insisting they had not yet been formally admitted as evidence.

However, the presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed the objections and ordered that the videos be played in court. She noted that the concerns raised would be addressed during a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.

During his interview, Gana stated that he retired from the Nigerian Army in 2010 as Chief of Defence Logistics and had since maintained a low profile. While he admitted knowing the alleged mastermind, identified as Colonel M.A. Ma’aji, he denied any involvement in or awareness of a coup plan.

“If I knew about any coup plan, I would have reported it,” Gana said.

He explained that his name surfaced during investigations due to a N2 million transaction linked to him. Gana also admitted forwarding, via WhatsApp, a past coup speech delivered by Joshua Dongayaro, along with messages critical of the government, but insisted he did not originate them.

He further denied conducting surveillance at the Presidential Villa or contributing financially to any alleged plot.

Victor, on his part, acknowledged being aware of conversations about overthrowing the government but said he discouraged the idea. He claimed Ma’aji had expressed frustration over a delayed promotion and mentioned plans to topple the system out of anger.

“Out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system. I told him to forget about it and consider retirement,” Victor said.

He disclosed that he was asked to provide financial support and assist in arranging accommodation for those involved, with promises of a political appointment if the plan succeeded. Victor said he refused to participate but continued communicating with the alleged mastermind using coded language on a secure platform.

“My relationship with him clouded my thoughts. If not, I would have reported to the appropriate authorities,” he admitted, expressing regret and seeking leniency.

Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the State House, said he was initially approached to help facilitate Ma’aji’s promotion. According to him, their discussions later shifted toward an alleged plan to overthrow the government.

He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and carrying out reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House. Ibrahim said he took photographs and explored possible entry routes, confirming that coded terms like “fertiliser” and “farming” were used to describe funding and operational plans.

Despite this, he claimed he did not take the plan seriously.

“I played along because I knew it would be impossible for them to access the State House,” he said.

The prosecution stated that all defendants were informed at the start of each interview that the sessions were being recorded in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). They were also advised of their right to remain silent, with the recordings intended to ensure transparency and voluntariness.

The case was adjourned until Tuesday at 11 a.m. for further hearing.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, is prosecuting six individuals over the alleged plot. The remaining defendants are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

All six were arraigned on April 22 on a 13-count charge before the court.