A staff member working in the maintenance unit at the Presidential Villa has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he had no knowledge of any plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, insisting he was deceived by individuals he encountered in the course of his work.
The defendant, Zekeri Umoru, who is employed under Julius Berger Nigeria, made the denial in a video statement presented as evidence during the ongoing trial of six accused persons over an alleged coup plot.
The case resumed before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, with proceedings briefly paused for a minute of silence in honour of a deceased colleague of one of the defence lawyers.
In his recorded statement to investigators, Umoru said he was introduced to key figures in the case through Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the Presidential Clinic at the Villa. He explained that Ibrahim later introduced him to a man he believed was a businessman seeking electrical services for a project, but who was later alleged to be Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
Umoru told the court he began receiving cash payments during meetings involving Ibrahim and others, including sums ranging between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 after social gatherings. He also acknowledged receiving larger amounts, including about ₦8.8 million, which he said he deposited in a bank after it was counted at a Zenith Bank branch, as well as an additional ₦2 million received the following day.
He said he became suspicious after repeated financial exchanges and confronted Ibrahim, who allegedly claimed the funds were linked to plans to “sanitise the government” due to dissatisfaction with national conditions.
Umoru admitted allowing one of the associates into the Presidential Villa but maintained he believed the visit was legitimate. He also said he later cautioned the visitor after noticing he was taking photographs inside his office.
Despite these admissions, he insisted he had no knowledge of any coup plot and said he was misled by those involved. He also apologised for his actions and expressed support for the current administration.
The court also reviewed a separate video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied involvement in any coup-related activity, stating that funds he received were for prayers and charitable purposes. Prosecutors, however, presented financial records suggesting higher transactions than those admitted.
The prosecution argued that video evidence indicated suspicious meetings, coded conversations, and movements around sensitive government areas. However, all defendants denied any involvement in an attempt to overthrow the government.
The case was adjourned until May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation, allowing defence counsel time to review newly submitted video evidence.