By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has watched the video recordings of an investigators’ interview sessions with three of the six defendants being prosecuted over alleged plots to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
In the video recordings, two of the three defendants admitted being aware of the coup plot, while retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana denied knowledge of the plot.
The video tendered by the prosecution was earlier objected to by counsel to the defendants who raised objection on its admissibility on the grounds that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily.
The defence lawyers also objected to having the recordings played in an open court when they were yet to be admitted in evidence.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled them and ordered that the recordings be played, noting that it was the standard practice.
Justice Abdulmalik says she noted the objection raised by the defence team and that a trial-within-trial would be conducted to ascertain the voluntariliness or otherwise of the statements.
The retired Maj Gen. said his name first came up in connection with the alleged plot in relation to a two million naira transfer, which investigators linked to him.
He also admitted sharing via WhatsApp, a copy of the coup speech read by Joshua Dongayaro during an earlier coup in the country.
He also admitted sharing, through the same means, some messages containing anti-government rhetorics, but explained that he only forwarded the materials as received and did not edit or originated it.
He, however, denied allegations of conducting reconnaissance at the Presidential Villa, participating in efforts to raise funds, including claims of sourcing billions from a former governor.
He said Ma’aji had complained about his stalled promotion and “out of anger, he said he wants to overthrow the system.”
One of the accused admitted receiving between N1.4 and N1.5million naira and participating in reconnaissance operations around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.
He said he took photographs of some parts of the presidential villa, including the President’s residence and surrounding terrain, and discussed possible access routes.
The investigators added that the recording was being done to ensure that the statement made by each of the defendants was voluntarily made and not under coercion, torture or promise of any favours.
They also said that the have the right to remain silent if they chose not to say anything.
Further hearing resumes on Tuesday at 11am.
