A prosecution witness on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that investigations uncovered alleged financial links between former Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva, and individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
Chief Timipre Sylva
The witness, a soldier from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP), testified as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The witness, whose identity was protected and identified only as “AAA,” was led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
He told the court that investigations began after the Chief of Army Staff reportedly received intelligence alleging that Col. M. A. Ma’aji and others were plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the witness, the intelligence report was analysed and deemed credible, prompting an investigation and the subsequent arrest of Ma’aji.
He said items recovered from the officer included a Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter allegedly containing operational plans, names of senior government officials, and proposed structural changes to government following the alleged coup.
“Inside the jotter, we found operational plans, names and designations of members of the current administration, officers marked for assassination, and political changes intended after execution of the coup,” the witness said.
He added that forensic analysis of Ma’aji’s phone allegedly revealed communication links among the suspects and financial trails.
“We also found financial trails between Ma’aji, former Governor Timipre Sylva and some of the defendants before the court,” he alleged.
The witness further claimed that funds were disbursed to some of the defendants to facilitate the alleged plot.
According to him, investigators identified a company, Purple Wave Ltd, as one of the channels allegedly used to finance the operation.
He said financial records obtained from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) showed multiple debit transactions from the company’s accounts between Sept. 19 and Oct. 2, 2025.
The transactions included withdrawals of N100 million, N50 million, N80 million, N70 million, and N90 million across different dates.
Although the payments carried descriptions linked to business activities, the witness claimed investigations showed the funds were diverted for the alleged coup activities.
He also alleged that meetings linked to the plot were held at Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel in Abuja.
According to him, the meetings involved anti-government discussions, operational planning, and allocation of roles.
“They discussed negative things about the government and concluded that there was need for regime change,” he said.
The witness further alleged that the plotters identified strategic targets, including military barracks and key roads, and discussed post-coup appointments and institutional restructuring.
He also claimed that some of the suspects participated in consultations and divination sessions related to the alleged operation.
During proceedings, the prosecution tendered several documents, including bank statements, hotel payment receipts, and digital extracts from Ma’aji’s phone.
Although defence lawyers objected to the admissibility of some exhibits, Justice Abdulmalik admitted the documents, noting that arguments on their weight would be taken at the final address stage.
The Federal Government had filed a 13-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 against six defendants over alleged treason, terrorism financing, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence.
The defendants include retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Capt. Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Insp. Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
They pleaded not guilty when arraigned on April 22.
Although Sylva is not listed as a defendant in the suit, court documents reportedly listed him as being at large.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until May 4 and May 5 for continuation of hearing.
