A retired Nigerian Navy captain standing trial over an alleged 2025 coup plot has told investigators that although he knew about the plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he consistently advised the suspected mastermind, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, to abandon the idea.
According to investigation documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the retired officer, Erasmus Victor, admitted holding several conversations with Ma’aji but insisted he never supported any attempt to seize power illegally.
Victor, a former chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State, claimed he repeatedly discouraged the army officer from pursuing the alleged plot after Ma’aji became frustrated over missed military promotions.
Retired Officer Says Coup Discussions Began After Promotion Setback
In his statement, Victor explained that he first met Ma’aji while both served at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where they developed a close professional relationship.
He alleged that Ma’aji became deeply disappointed after failing to secure promotion around 2023 and later hinted that he was willing to take drastic action, even at the risk of losing his life.
Victor said he interpreted those remarks as an indication that the officer intended to organise a military takeover and immediately urged him to reconsider.
Wike Mentioned as Potential Sponsor
Investigators said Ma’aji allegedly sought financial backing from influential Nigerians to fund the operation.
Victor disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, was among those allegedly mentioned as a possible financier because of Victor’s previous working relationship with him while serving as a local government chairman in Rivers State.
However, Victor maintained that he never contacted Wike or any other individual to seek financial support, adding that he simply told Ma’aji he was unable to secure sponsors.
N2 Billion Budget Allegedly Proposed
According to the retired officer, Ma’aji estimated that the alleged operation would require about ₦2 billion to execute.
Victor said he warned the officer that modern communication technology and intelligence gathering would make it extremely difficult to conceal such a plan, insisting the operation would most likely fail.
He also admitted replying “Good” after Ma’aji later claimed he had independently secured funding.
Encrypted Messaging and Discussions About Government Positions
Victor acknowledged communicating with Ma’aji through the encrypted messaging application Zangi, explaining that the platform was chosen for privacy.
Investigators also questioned him over discussions about possible appointments if the alleged coup succeeded.
He claimed those conversations were not serious and described them as jokes after Ma’aji allegedly promised to appoint him either as Chief of Staff or a minister in a proposed new government.
Why He Never Reported the Plot
Although Victor insisted he opposed the alleged conspiracy, he admitted failing to report it to security agencies.
He said he unsuccessfully attempted to contact the then Rivers State Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, but received no response.
He also acknowledged that despite belonging to several military communication groups, he never alerted fellow officers or authorities.
“I did not report the plans, and I am sorry,” he reportedly told investigators.
Concerns Grew After Suspected Mastermind’s Arrest
Victor said he became alarmed after losing contact with Ma’aji during Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations.
He later discovered that the army officer had been arrested by security operatives and subsequently switched conversations with another military officer to the encrypted Zangi platform while seeking more information about the arrest.
Defendants Maintain Their Innocence
Victor and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are challenging the admissibility of their recorded statements and interrogation videos, arguing that investigators failed to follow due legal process.
Meanwhile, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was previously linked to the investigation, has denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot, describing the claims as false.
The Federal High Court is expected to determine the admissibility of the disputed evidence as the trial continues.