A retired Nigerian Navy captain standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu has told investigators that although he was aware of the alleged conspiracy, he consistently advised its suspected mastermind against carrying it out.
The disclosure is contained in investigation records reportedly obtained by Premium Times, including the statement of retired naval officer Erasmus Victor, one of six defendants currently facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged coup plot.
In his statement, Victor admitted holding several discussions with the alleged ringleader, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji of the Nigerian Army, regarding the purported plan. According to the records, the two communicated through an encrypted messaging application, and at one point jokingly discussed possible government appointments should the alleged coup succeed.
Victor, a former chairman of a local government area in Rivers State who entered politics after retiring from the military, also told investigators that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other individuals were mentioned by the alleged plot leader as potential financiers while efforts were being made to secure funding for the operation.
Despite acknowledging his knowledge of the alleged plot, Victor maintained that he never supported the conspiracy. He told investigators that he repeatedly urged Ma’aji to abandon the plan and only pretended to assist him in an effort to discourage him from proceeding.
The retired naval officer also admitted that he did not report the alleged plot to security agencies.
Victor is being prosecuted alongside five other defendants, including retired military personnel, over the alleged 2025 conspiracy to overthrow President Tinubu’s government.
The trial follows months of investigations by security agencies after authorities announced that the alleged coup plot had been foiled in September 2025.
According to previous reports, investigators allege that members of the conspiracy planned to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the nation’s service chiefs and other senior government officials before seizing power.
Security agencies further allege that members of the network were assigned specific roles, including military operations, reconnaissance, sourcing of financiers, logistics, propaganda and spiritual consultations.
The case is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the defendants are expected to respond to the charges. The accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court.
