Crime & Court

‘I was misled,’ Villa worker tells court in alleged coup plot trial

Published

4 months ago

May 5, 2026

The fourth defendant in the alleged coup plot trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Zekeri Umoru, on Tuesday denied knowledge of any plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, declaring in a recorded statement played in court that he was “misled”.

Umoru, a maintenance worker at the Presidential Villa engaged by a construction firm, made the claim in a video recording tendered by the prosecution as part of evidence against six defendants standing trial over the alleged plot.

In the footage played in open court, the defendant told investigators that he was introduced to key figures in the case by the third defendant, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who is attached to the Presidential Clinic.

He said Ibrahim introduced him to one Hassan Mohammed, whom he later discovered to be Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

Umoru explained that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian businessman who intended to engage him for electrical work at a building under construction.

He, however, told investigators that he subsequently received several cash payments from Ma’aji during meetings attended by Ibrahim and another associate identified as Usman.

Recounting one of such meetings at a bar, Umoru said Ma’aji allegedly gave between N100,000 and ₦120,000 to him and others after buying drinks and asking about their professions.
He further disclosed that on September 24, 2025, Ma’aji allegedly handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag filled with cash.

According to him, he deposited the money in a bank, where it was counted and confirmed to be N8.8m.

He added that an additional N2m was allegedly given to him the following day during another meeting involving Inspector Ibrahim.

Umoru told investigators that he became uneasy over the repeated cash payments and demanded an explanation from Ibrahim.

He claimed that Ibrahim told him Ma’aji was dissatisfied with the state of the country and intended to “sanitise the government” with the support of unnamed associates described as “boys”.

The defendant further alleged that discussions included plans to involve an ambulance driver to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa, with promises of financial rewards.

Despite the revelations, Umoru maintained that he had no knowledge of any coup plot.

“I was misled,” he said, adding that he would have distanced himself from Ma’aji had he known he was a military officer or had intentions beyond business.

Umoru also admitted escorting Usman into the Presidential Villa, noting that security personnel granted access after he identified the visitor as someone who came to see him.

He added that he later caught Usman taking photographs in his office and warned him to desist.

The defendant expressed regret during the interview, apologised to his employers, and affirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration.

The court also viewed a separate video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who similarly denied involvement in the alleged plot.

Goni told investigators that funds he received from Ma’aji were meant strictly for prayers and charitable causes, including spiritual interventions linked to alleged promotion challenges.

However, investigators presented financial records indicating transfers running into millions of naira, including a ₦10m transaction in October 2024, which they said contradicted aspects of his claims.

The prosecution further argued that discussions captured in the videos—particularly references to gaining access and procuring “work tools”—raised concerns about a coordinated scheme, although both individuals denied any knowledge of a coup plot.

Following the presentation of the video evidence, counsel to the sixth defendant, Michael Numa (SAN), told the court that he had just been served with his client’s video exhibits and required time to study them.

While defence counsel sought an adjournment, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to adhere to its earlier directive for accelerated hearing of the case.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned proceedings till May 11, 12 and 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.

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Crime & Court

Police Arrest 10 Suspected Human Parts Dealers in Oyo

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

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Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested 10 suspected human parts dealers in Iseyin and Saki areas of the state following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The suspects were arrested by the Command’s Monitoring Unit after operatives had closely monitored their activities, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed in a statement made available to journalists on Friday.

According to the statement, the arrests followed “sustained intelligence gathering, discreet surveillance and close monitoring” of the suspects.

Those arrested were Adam Ibrahim, 42; Nasiru Kabiru, 22; Tijani Wasiu, 54; Abiola Nasiru, 45; Amusa Gbadamosi, 57; Raheem Taofeek, 46; Jimoh Muritala, 35; Suleiman Busari, 47; Ganiyu Nurudeen, 36; and Usman Abdullahi, 52.

Police said several suspected human parts and charms were recovered during searches of the suspects’ hideouts.

The exhibits included a suspected human heart, human flesh, pieces of human skull and assorted charms.

The command said the recovered items had been secured for forensic examination as investigations continued.

Olayinka said the suspects had confessed to dealing in human parts for ritual purposes, adding that they were assisting investigators in tracing the source, procurement and intended use of the recovered items.

He said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the alleged syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for what he described as a painstaking intelligence-led operation.

The CP reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements and protect the sanctity of human life.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police to aid crime prevention and detection.

Crime & Court

Ex-DSS Officer Arraigned Over Alleged IPOB Membership, Terror Charges

Published

2 weeks ago

August 7, 2026

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The Department of State Services has arraigned one of its retired officers, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged involvement with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Ezeakolam was docked before Justice Mohammed Umar on a four-count charge bordering on alleged membership of the separatist group, providing support for its activities and using social media to promote its cause.

The charges were instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government. The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed in Abuja and Abia State between 2025 and 2026.

According to the charge, the retired operative allegedly rendered moral support to IPOB by disseminating information in favour of the group through the internet and his social media platforms. The prosecution said the action contravened provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Federal Government also accused him of becoming a member of IPOB despite the group’s proscription by the court. It maintained that the alleged act is punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

In another count, the prosecution alleged that Ezeakolam knowingly posted messages on social media designed to persuade members of the public to support IPOB. It further claimed that the posts amounted to aiding and abetting the activities of the proscribed organisation.

The fourth charge accused the defendant of publishing messages online to advance the cause of IPOB, an offence the prosecution said is contrary to the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

When the charges were read, Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty to all four counts. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.

Counsel for the defendant, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court that he intended to file a bail application on behalf of his client. Justice Umar directed that the application should be filed accordingly and fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial.

The judge subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Kuje Custodial Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

Crime & Court

Police Arrest Self-Styled PFIPC DG Hours After Court Orders His Arrest

Published

1 month ago

July 14, 2026

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The police have arrested the self-styled Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his arrest for failing to appear for his arraignment.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the warrant on Tuesday after granting an oral application by the prosecution counsel, Mr Wisdom Madaki, who informed the court that the defendant had failed to honour the court’s summons.

Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly held himself out as the Director-General of the PFIPC and is accused of offences involving forgery and fraudulent misrepresentation.

Following the prosecution’s application, Justice Umar ordered the defendant’s arrest to compel his appearance before the court to answer to the charges.

The police subsequently arrested Adeyemi, paving the way for his arraignment before the court.

Further details on the circumstances surrounding his arrest were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.