Court Accepts Evidence Against Six Suspected of Plotting Coup in Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja has accepted evidence from the Federal Government against six people accused of trying to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. This decision was made on Thursday during a court session.

The accused include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others: Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. They are facing multiple serious charges related to the alleged coup.

The court accepted various pieces of evidence, including statements that the defendants made to a Special Investigation Panel and military police. The defendants argued that these statements were made under pressure and that they did not have legal representation during questioning.

Despite the defense’s claims, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the defendants did not prove they were coerced into making their statements. The court dismissed their claims of torture and allowed the written statements and video recordings to be used as evidence in the case.

The next court sessions are scheduled for December 7 and 10 to continue hearing the charges. One of the defendants, Umoru, previously stated that discussions took place about cutting off electricity to the Presidential Villa to assist in the coup. He also claimed that he was offered money to recruit people for the plot.

In addition, Sheikh Abdulkadir, another defendant, mentioned that he warned the plotters that their plan would fail. The case has drawn attention to various serious allegations, including treason and terrorism, against the accused. The Federal Government has also mentioned that a former governor is currently evading arrest related to these charges.