A staff member working inside Nigeria’s Presidential Villa has told a court how he became entangled in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of Bola Tinubu.
Zekeri Umoru, one of several defendants standing trial, said his involvement began in 2025 after being introduced to key figures by a police officer attached to the Presidential Clinic.
In a video-recorded statement presented in court, Umoru explained that Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim connected him to a man later identified as Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji,” under the guise of offering electrical work at a construction site.
He said he initially believed the arrangement was legitimate business, especially after receiving multiple money transfers in the name of the alleged colonel.
According to his testimony, the relationship deepened over time, with several meetings involving cash payments. He described one occasion at a location identified as “Tiger Bar,” where he and others were given sums ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦120,000.
A more substantial payment followed on September 24, 2025, when Umoru said he received a bag filled with cash, which he later deposited at a Zenith Bank branch and counted as ₦8.8 million.
He added that another ₦2 million was handed to him the next day, alongside instructions that further details would be communicated through the police officer who introduced him.
Umoru told investigators he became uneasy about the steady flow of money and sought clarification, claiming he was told the funds were tied to a plan to “sanitize the government.”
He alleged that discussions included possible access routes into the Presidential Villa, involving an ambulance driver, though he insisted he never knowingly agreed to participate in any plot.
The defendant also admitted escorting one associate into the Villa without being questioned by security, later discovering the individual taking photographs inside his office — an act he said he cautioned against.
Despite the details, Umoru maintained that he was misled and had no knowledge of any coup attempt, expressing regret and reaffirming support for the current administration.
The court also reviewed a separate statement from Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied any role in the alleged conspiracy, stating that funds he received were for religious prayers and charitable causes.
However, investigators flagged inconsistencies between his claims and financial records, pointing to multiple transactions — including millions of naira — predating the explanations he provided.
The trial judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned proceedings to May 11, 12 and 13 to allow further review of the video evidence and continuation of the case.
