The name of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has surfaced in investigation records relating to the alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
However, the records do not indicate that Wike was contacted, involved in discussions, or had knowledge of the alleged plan.
The disclosure was contained in the statement of retired naval officer, Captain Erasmus Victor, one of the defendants standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged 2025 coup plot.
According to Victor’s statement to investigators, the name of the FCT minister was mentioned by Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who allegedly sought potential wealthy sponsors for the proposed operation.
Victor said Ma’aji approached him because of their longstanding relationship dating back to their time at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where Victor had served as commanding officer of the Burma Battalion and Ma’aji as his adjutant.
He told investigators that Ma’aji became frustrated after failing to secure a promotion around 2023 and subsequently expressed dissatisfaction with his circumstances.
Victor said he advised Ma’aji to abandon any plan that could threaten the constitutional order and instead prepare for retirement.
According to him, Ma’aji nevertheless indicated that he was prepared to do “anything necessary,” a statement Victor interpreted as a possible intention to pursue an unconstitutional takeover of government.
The retired naval officer further disclosed that Ma’aji subsequently began considering influential Nigerians who could potentially provide financial support for the alleged operation.
It was in that context, Victor said, that Wike’s name was mentioned.
Victor explained that he had previously served as chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State during Wike’s tenure as governor and left office in 2021.
He said Ma’aji suggested that he approach Wike to seek financial assistance for the alleged plan.
Victor, however, maintained that he never contacted Wike or any other individual to solicit funds.
He said he eventually informed Ma’aji that his efforts to identify potential sponsors had failed.
The investigation records, as presented in the case, reportedly contain no indication that Wike was aware of the alleged conspiracy or participated in any discussions concerning the purported plan.
Alleged Plan To Overthrow Government
Security agencies commenced investigations after the alleged conspiracy was uncovered in September 2025.
Prosecutors have alleged that the suspects planned to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, service chiefs and other senior government officials before attempting to seize power.
Investigators also alleged that various responsibilities had been assigned among members of the group, including military operations, recruitment, logistics, intelligence gathering, propaganda and the mobilisation of financial resources.
Victor is standing trial alongside serving and retired military personnel accused of involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
Victor Questions Authenticity Of Alleged Plot
In his statement, Victor said he eventually became doubtful that Ma’aji was genuinely capable of executing a coup.
He reportedly told investigators that he suspected the proposed operation could have been an attempt to defraud wealthy individuals by using the alleged coup plan as a cover for soliciting money.
Victor also said he repeatedly warned Ma’aji that raising funds for an illegal operation would be difficult and that potential sponsors were unwilling to participate.
The retired officer acknowledged communicating with Ma’aji through Zangi, an encrypted messaging platform, which he said had been recommended for more secure communication.
He also admitted communicating with another defendant, Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah, through the platform.
Investigators allege that Bappah received ₦5 million on September 27, 2025, from funds allegedly connected to the operation. Victor, however, denied participating in any financial arrangement.
He further acknowledged conversations concerning possible appointments in the event that the alleged takeover succeeded.
Victor said Ma’aji once asked what position he would prefer in the proposed administration. He claimed he jokingly referred to an earlier suggestion that he could become Chief of Staff to the President, while Ma’aji allegedly responded that he would instead be appointed a minister.
Victor maintained that the conversation was not serious and did not amount to an endorsement of the alleged coup.
He also said Ma’aji estimated that approximately ₦2 billion would be required to execute the operation.
Victor reportedly warned that such a plan would be difficult to accomplish because of modern surveillance and communication technologies, which he believed would expose the plot.
Although he admitted forwarding some revolutionary-themed materials to Ma’aji through WhatsApp, Victor maintained that he consistently discouraged the alleged plan and denied participating in any attempt to overthrow the government.
The case is continuing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution’s evidence and the defendants’ responses are being considered.I can also make the headline more punchy and newspaper-style while keeping the story legally cautious.
Credit: Politicsnigeria except headline
