The trial of six persons accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu began on a sombre note, following the reported death of defence counsel, U.H. Kamra in a car accident.
The court observed a minute of silence in his honour before proceedings continued.
During proceedings the Court reviewed a recorded statement from the fourth defendant, Zekari Umoru, a maintenance worker at the Presidential Villa Abuja employed by Julius Berger Nigeria.
In the video, Umoru explained that his involvement began in May 2025 through Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who introduced him to a man later identified as Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji,” under the guise of offering electrical work.
Umoru told investigators that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian contractor. He described receiving multiple cash payments, including sums between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 during meetings at a location known as Tiger Bar.
He also recounted receiving a large cash sum of about ₦8.8 million, which he deposited in Zenith Bank, followed by another ₦2 million the next day.
According to his statement, he later became suspicious about the repeated payments and sought clarification from Ibrahim.
He claimed Ibrahim suggested that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and had intentions to “correct” governance issues, allegedly with support from others.
Umoru, however, insisted he was never aware of any concrete coup plan and did not knowingly participate in any illegal activity.
He also admitted escorting one of the suspects into the Presidential Villa, where the individual reportedly took photographs without authorisation, an act Umoru said he cautioned against.
In a separate video, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
He stated that funds he received from Ma’aji were strictly for religious and charitable purposes, including prayers.
However, investigators highlighted inconsistencies between his claims and financial records, which showed large transfers predating the reasons he provided.
Following the presentation of the video evidence, counsel to the sixth defendant, Senior Advocate Michael Numa, requested more time to review the materials.
The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of trail.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
