The fourth defendant in the alleged coup plot trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Zekeri Umoru, on Tuesday denied knowledge of any plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, insisting in a recorded statement played in court that he was “misled.”‎‎

Umoru, an employee in the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa working with Julius Berger Nigeria, made the claim in a video recording previewed by the court as part of the prosecution’s evidence against the six defendants standing trial over the alleged plot.‎‎

In the video played in open court, Umoru told investigators that he first came in contact with persons linked to the case through the third defendant, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the Presidential Clinic.

‎‎He said that Ibrahim introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, whom he later discovered was Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.‎‎

According to Umoru, he initially believed Ma’aji was “a civilian businessman” interested in offering him electrical work at a building under construction.‎‎

The defendant recounted how he allegedly received several cash payments from Ma’aji during meetings attended by Ibrahim and another associate identified as Usman.

‎‎He told investigators that during one gathering at Tiger Bar, Ma’aji allegedly gave “between N100,000 and ₦120,000” to him and his associates after he bought drinks and asked about their professions.‎‎

Umoru further stated that on September 24, 2025, Ma’aji allegedly handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing cash.

‎He said that he deposited the money at a Zenith Bank branch where it was counted and found to be N8.8 million.

‎‎According to him, another N2 million was allegedly given the following day during a separate meeting involving Inspector Ibrahim.‎‎

The defendant said that he later became uncomfortable with the repeated cash payments and demanded an explanation from Ibrahim.‎‎

He alleged that Ibrahim told him Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitize the government” with support from unnamed associates described as “boys.”‎

Umoru further claimed that Ibrahim spoke about involving “an ambulance driver” to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa, with expectations of financial reward.‎‎

Despite the claims, Umoru repeatedly denied knowledge of any coup plot.‎

“I was misled,” he said in the video, insisting he would have distanced himself from Ma’aji had he known that he was a military officer or had “any intention beyond business dealings.”‎‎

The defendant also admitted escorting Usman into the Presidential Villa, stating that security officials allowed the visitor entry after he indicated the man was there to see him.‎‎

He added that he later saw Usman “taking photographs” in his office and warned him against it.‎‎

Umoru expressed regret during the interview, apologising to his employers and affirming support for President Tinubu’s administration.

‎‎The court also viewed another video involving Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied involvement in the alleged coup plot.‎‎

Goni told investigators that monies he received from Ma’aji were strictly for “prayers and charitable purposes,” including spiritual interventions connected to alleged promotion setbacks.‎‎

However, investigators pointed to financial records allegedly showing transfers running into millions of naira, including a “₦10m transfer” in October 2024, which they said contradicted aspects of his explanation.‎‎

The prosecution further suggested that discussions referenced in the videos, including remarks about gaining access and acquiring “work tools,” raised concerns about a broader scheme, though both individuals denied any knowledge of a coup plot.

‎‎Following the preview of the video statement, counsel to the sixth defendant and senior counsel, Michael Numa, told the court he had just received the video exhibits of his client and needed more time to review them.‎‎

While the defence counsel argued for an adjournment, prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to stand by its earlier order for accelerated hearing of the case.‎‎

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter till May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.‎‎

At an earlier hearing on Monday, the court viewed separate videos in which other defendants allegedly admitted to coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, but denied participating in any concrete plan to overthrow the government.

Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State Governor/senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures amid the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary, the lawmaker emphasised that Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations.

He said, “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears.

“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”

Oshiomhole linked the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians and maintained that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.

The lawmaker further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically productive and not dependent on the host country.

“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn.

“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.

•Photo: Xenophobia : South African protesters in Pretoria on Friday. Twitter photo.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians interested in repatriation from South Africa will be responsible for the cost of their return trip to Nigeria.

In the recent past, such reparations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated this during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja.

The briefing came shortly after a closed-door meeting between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.

Mr Ebienfa said that the process will be self-funded and not state-funded, as it is a voluntary decision that the Nigerian government will only facilitate and coordinate.