Fresh court documents reveal alleged blueprint for 2025 coup plot

Fresh details have emerged from court documents on the alleged coup plot uncovered last year, revealing how the suspected conspirators allegedly assigned operational roles, adopted coded language, identified strategic targets and developed a transition plan aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The details are contained in confidential investigation documents and witness statements currently forming part of ongoing criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja and a General Court Martial.

According to the documents, investigators alleged that the plot centred on capturing strategic military formations, securing broadcast facilities, disrupting airport operations, mobilising troops and neutralising the country’s military leadership before taking control of government.

The alleged conspiracy was said to have been coordinated principally by Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, alongside retired Colonel M.M. Adamu, Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah and Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim.

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Investigators also alleged that members of the group communicated using coded language to conceal their activities. According to the documents, they referred to themselves as “farmers,” while the operation was codenamed “farming.” Other code words allegedly included “fertilisers” for logistics, “harvest” for the execution day, “digital farming” for the operation, and “technical partners” for clerics approached for prayers.

The documents further indicated that the alleged conspirators considered launching the operation between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., with September 27, October 1 and October 4, 2025, discussed as possible dates, although investigators said no final date was agreed upon because preparations had not been completed.

According to statements tendered by investigators, individual members were allegedly assigned specific responsibilities. These reportedly included seizing the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Headquarters, military formations, Air Force facilities, Radio House and other strategic installations.

The investigation also alleged that airports formed a key component of the operational plan, with suspects assigned to disrupt flight operations in Abuja and Lagos to prevent aircraft movements during the planned takeover.

Investigators further claimed that the alleged conspirators planned to mobilise personnel, weapons, gun trucks and other military equipment from various formations across the country to support the operation.

According to one of the statements, the alleged plotters intended to arrest senior military officers following a successful takeover, although another statement cited in the case claimed that discussions had also included the possibility of using lethal force against some military leaders. The differing accounts form part of the evidence currently before the court.

The documents also outlined an alleged transition plan, with investigators claiming that Colonel Ma’aji intended to assume office as Head of Government, announce new service chiefs and constitute a new administration if the operation succeeded. Some participants were also alleged to have discussed prospective appointments in the proposed government.

The alleged coup plot remains the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja and a General Court Martial.

The defendants have challenged the admissibility of their statements and other evidence tendered by the prosecution, alleging that they were obtained in violation of safeguards under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The prosecution has denied the allegations and maintains that its investigation complied with all legal requirements.

The Federal High Court is yet to rule on the admissibility of the disputed evidence, while the substantive trial continues.

(Premium Times)