The Federal Government has prepared 30 prosecution witnesses to testify in the trial of six individuals accused of plotting to remove President Bola Tinubu’s administration through unlawful means.
The case is before the Federal High Court in Abuja and involves a retired major general, a former navy captain, a police inspector and three other defendants facing charges linked to an alleged coup plot.
The accused persons are retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.
Court documents filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation obtained by Premium Times, show that the government intends to rely on evidence from investigators, military officers, forensic specialists, bank officials, hotel representatives and other civilian witnesses during the trial.
The defendants are facing a 13-count charge involving allegations of treason, terrorism financing, money laundering and failure to disclose information related to the alleged conspiracy.
According to the prosecution, the six defendants allegedly worked with Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji and other persons who are currently at large in a plan aimed at removing President Tinubu from office.
The government also alleged that some of the defendants knew about the plan but failed to report it, while others were involved in handling funds connected to the alleged operation.
Documents submitted before the court indicate that prosecutors will present financial records, electronic evidence recovered from mobile phones, forensic reports and witness testimonies to support the case.
Among the witnesses are investigators who conducted the inquiry and recovered documents linked to the matter.
The government will also call forensic experts who examined mobile devices seized during the investigation.
Officials from several financial institutions are expected to testify and provide banking records.
The banks listed include Access Bank, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, United Bank for Africa, First City Monument Bank, First Bank, Ecobank, Jaiz Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, SunTrust Bank and Opay Digital Services Limited.
The prosecution also plans to present civilian witnesses expected to provide information on financial transactions, vehicle purchases and vehicle refurbishment projects that investigators believe are connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Among them are Aminu Abdullahi, who is expected to speak on instructions allegedly received from Colonel Ma’aji and the movement of funds, Abdulganiyu Ahmed, who will testify on vehicles allegedly purchased in connection with the case, and Moses Opata, who is expected to provide information on contracts for vehicle repairs and refurbishment.
Another witness, Peter Gambo, a golf equipment dealer, is expected to testify on the sale of golf kits to Squadron Leader Noel Zuzu.
Representatives of three hospitality establishments in Abuja and Kaduna are also expected to appear before the court.
Prosecutors believe the witnesses will provide information concerning hotel bookings and meetings allegedly connected to the accused persons.
Military officers have also been listed among the witnesses.
Their testimonies are expected to focus on issues relating to military vehicles, arms and ammunition allegedly linked to the investigation.
The officers include Captain Haruna of the 81 Division Provost Company, Corporal Bejide Kehinde, Colonel Y.B. Mohammed, Brigadier General E. Agada and Captain K.I. Eromosele.
The prosecution informed the court that it may present additional evidence and call more witnesses if necessary as the trial progresses.
The government maintained that further materials could be submitted during the course of the proceedings.
