Abuja — A maintenance worker attached to the Presidential Villa has admitted to having dealings with individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to video evidence presented before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendant, Zekeri Umoru, who works with Julius Berger Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, appeared in a recorded extra-judicial statement in which he detailed how he came into contact with alleged members of the plot.
Umoru told investigators that he was introduced in 2025 by Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim of the Presidential Clinic to a man later identified as Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji,” initially under the impression that the relationship involved electrical contract work.
According to the statement, Umoru received several cash payments from the alleged conspirators, including a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing funds he said amounted to ₦8.8 million after being deposited at a branch of Zenith Bank. He also described additional payments and meetings where discussions allegedly centred on dissatisfaction with the state of the country and plans to “sanitize the government.”
The defendant further claimed that Inspector Ibrahim mentioned a plan involving an ambulance driver to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa.
Despite the disclosures, Umoru denied knowingly participating in any coup plot, insisting that he was unaware of any concrete plan and had been misled about the intentions of those involved. He expressed regret over his association with the accused individuals and reaffirmed support for the Tinubu administration.
The court also viewed a separate statement from Islamic cleric Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied involvement in the alleged plot. Goni maintained that funds he received from Colonel Ma’aji were for prayers and charitable purposes, although investigators pointed to financial records showing transactions worth millions of naira.
Following arguments by defence counsel seeking time to review newly served video exhibits, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.
The proceedings have drawn significant attention due to the alleged involvement of individuals connected to the Presidential Villa and security institutions.