By Ghazali Ibrahim
A staff member of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Zekeri Umoru, has admitted to interacting with individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, but insists he was unaware of any coup plan.
Umoru, the fourth defendant in the ongoing trial, is employed in the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa through Julius Berger Nigeria. In a video-recorded extra-judicial statement presented in court, he said his involvement began in May 2025 after being introduced to key figures by Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who is attached to the Presidential Clinic.
According to Umoru, Ibrahim introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, later revealed to be Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji,” under the guise of offering him electrical work at a construction site. He said he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian businessman, particularly after receiving money transfers bearing his name.
Umoru recounted receiving several cash payments from Ma’aji, sometimes in the presence of Inspector Ibrahim, as well as meeting another associate, Usman, whom he later discovered was also a military officer. He told investigators that at one meeting at a location known as “Tiger Bar,” Ma’aji shared between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 among him and his associates after buying drinks and asking about their occupations.
A larger payment allegedly followed on September 24, 2025, when Umoru said he was given a “Ghana Must Go” bag filled with cash. He deposited the money at a Zenith Bank branch, where it was counted as ₦8.8 million. The following day, he and Ibrahim reportedly received an additional ₦2 million from Ma’aji, with a promise of further instructions.
Despite the steady flow of funds, Umoru said he became uneasy and sought clarification from Ibrahim. He claimed Ibrahim told him that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and intended to “sanitize the government,” allegedly with support from unnamed associates.
Umoru further alleged that Ibrahim mentioned a plan involving an ambulance driver to gain access into the Presidential Villa, with promises of financial rewards. However, he maintained that he was never made aware of any concrete coup plan and did not knowingly participate in one.
He also described escorting Usman into the Presidential Villa without being questioned by security personnel after identifying him as his visitor. Umoru said he later cautioned Usman after noticing him taking photographs inside his office.
Throughout his statement, Umoru denied any knowledge of a coup attempt, claiming he was misled by Inspector Ibrahim. He expressed regret over his actions, apologised to his employers, and affirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration.
The court also reviewed a separate video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied any role in the alleged plot. Goni told investigators he received money from Colonel Ma’aji strictly for prayers and charitable activities, including spiritual support related to alleged career setbacks.
However, investigators highlighted inconsistencies in his claims, noting that financial records showed transactions dating back to March 2023 before the issues he cited—and included sums running into millions of naira, such as a ₦10 million transfer in October 2024.
Authorities also pointed to references in the discussions about gaining access and acquiring “work tools” as potential indicators of a broader scheme, though both Umoru and Goni denied involvement in any coup plot.
Following the presentation of the video evidence, counsel to the sixth defendant, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Numa, requested more time to review the materials.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of the trial.
