One of the witnesses, a soldier from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP), testified on how the alleged coup plot was uncovered and the subsequent investigation carried out.

The witness, whose identity was protected and referred to as “AAA,” said he was part of the investigative team deployed after then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence reports alleging that Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others were planning to topple the government.

Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness confirmed familiarity with the six defendants, stating they were linked to the alleged plot involving serving military officers and civilians.

He explained that following the intelligence report, the Army leadership deemed it credible and ordered a full-scale investigation.

According to him, Col. Ma’aji was arrested, his mobile phone seized, and a search conducted at his residence where investigators reportedly recovered a notebook and other materials.

The witness said the notebook allegedly contained operational plans, names and ranks of senior government officials, and lists of individuals marked for assassination in connection with the alleged coup attempt.

He further stated that the documents also contained proposed political and structural changes planned after the supposed takeover.

He told the court that forensic analysis of the seized phone revealed communication links between Col. Ma’aji, other officers, and the defendants, alongside alleged coordination details of the plot.

The witness also alleged that financial transactions were traced between Ma’aji, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, and some of the accused persons.

He added that coded language allegedly used among the plotters was discovered during the forensic review.

According to him, investigators also identified monetary transfers between Col. Ma’aji and some defendants, which were allegedly used to support the operation.

He further told the court that a company, Purple Wave, was identified as a suspected channel used to fund the alleged coup plot.

Financial records obtained from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were also analysed, revealing multiple large transactions.

The witness detailed several debit entries from September to October 2025, ranging from N50 million to N100 million, which he said were linked to the alleged plot despite official descriptions suggesting legitimate business purposes.

He testified that funds described as payments for coastal debris clearing were allegedly diverted for coup-related activities.

He also told the court that meetings linked to the alleged plot were held at locations in Abuja, including Greenland Apartment and BrookVille Hotel.

According to him, discussions at these meetings allegedly included anti-government sentiments and plans for regime change.

The witness further alleged that the plotters identified strategic targets, including military barracks, key roads, and government officials, as part of their operational plans.

He claimed that roles were assigned among the conspirators, including proposed post-coup appointments and agency restructuring plans.

He also alleged that funds were used for logistics such as vehicle procurement and other preparations linked to the plot.

The court was also told that hotel receipts and booking records tied to the alleged meetings were recovered during investigations.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, sought to tender several exhibits, including documents, bank records, and correspondence from BrookVille Hotel, which were admitted by the court despite objections from defence lawyers.

Extracts from the seized mobile phone were also admitted as evidence.

The witness confirmed that most defendants gave written statements, some of which were video-recorded during interrogation by a special investigative panel and the Military Police.

However, he noted that the sixth defendant made his statement only to the Military Police after his arrest.

Attempts by the prosecution to tender a flash drive containing audiovisual recordings of statements were initially objected to by the defence on procedural grounds, leading the court to direct proper service of the material before playback.

Earlier, three bank compliance officers from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank testified, tendering account statements linked to the defendants and related entities.

All three witnesses were cross-examined by defence counsel.

The matter has been adjourned to May 4 and 5 for continuation of trial, when the fourth prosecution witness is expected to continue his testimony.