The Federal Government has assembled 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. They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism financing, failure to disclose information and money laundering.
According to the proof of evidence filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and obtained exclusively, the prosecution plans to rely on investigators, senior military officers, forensic experts, bank officials, hotel representatives and civilian witnesses to establish its case.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation alleged that the defendants conspired with Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji and others currently at large to wage war against Nigeria and unlawfully remove President Bola Tinubu from office. Colonel Ma’aji is believed to be the presumed leader of the alleged failed coup plot.
Prosecutors further alleged that some of the accused failed to report knowledge of the conspiracy, while others were involved in handling funds linked to the alleged scheme.
The proof of evidence indicates that the prosecution will present documentary exhibits, financial records and forensic analyses of electronic devices recovered during investigations. Testimonies are also expected from military personnel and civilian witnesses.
Among those listed are investigating officers, forensic experts who extracted and analysed data from mobile phones, officials of 13 financial institutions expected to tender account records, representatives of three hotels where some of the alleged meetings reportedly took place, and senior military officers who will testify on issues relating to the movement and custody of arms and ammunition.
Other civilian witnesses are expected to testify on alleged financial transactions, vehicle purchases and refurbishment connected to the prosecution’s case.
Some of the prosecution witnesses include:
Investigating Officers
Officers who conducted the investigation and recovered documentary exhibits.
Bank Officials 2. Access Bank – Account opening documents, statements of account and other records. 3. Union Bank – Banking records. 4. Fidelity Bank – Banking records. 5. Zenith Bank – Banking records. 6. Providus Bank – Banking records.
Additional witnesses are expected from other financial institutions, forensic units, hotels and the military as the prosecution seeks to prove the allegations before the court.
The accused persons have yet to be convicted, and under the law, they remain innocent until proven guilty by the court.
