Umoru, the fourth defendant and an employee in the maintenance department at the Presidential Villa under Julius Berger Nigeria, said he was introduced into the alleged plot by Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who is attached to the Presidential Clinic.

In a recorded extra-judicial statement played in court, Umoru detailed how his interaction with the alleged conspirators began in May 2025 through Inspector Ibrahim, identified as the third defendant.

He explained that Ibrahim introduced him to a man known as Hassan Mohammed, later identified as Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji,” under the guise of offering him electrical work at a construction site.

Umoru said he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian businessman, especially after receiving bank transfers in his name.

He told investigators that he received several payments from Ma’aji, sometimes in Ibrahim’s presence, and also met other associates, including one identified as Usman, whom he later learned were military personnel.

According to his statement, at one meeting at a location known as “Tiger Bar,” Ma’aji reportedly gave him between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 after buying drinks and making inquiries about their professions.

He further revealed that on September 24, 2025, Ma’aji allegedly handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing cash, which he later deposited at a Zenith Bank branch where it was counted as ₦8.8 million.

Umoru added that the next day, he met Ma’aji again alongside Inspector Ibrahim, during which an additional ₦2 million was allegedly handed over, with Ibrahim promising to brief him further.

He said he became suspicious due to the continuous flow of money and confronted Ibrahim, who allegedly claimed that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and intended to “sanitize the government” with the help of unnamed associates.

Umoru also alleged that Ibrahim mentioned a plan involving an ambulance driver to gain access into the Presidential Villa, with expectations of financial benefit.

However, he insisted he was unaware of any organised coup plan and maintained that he never knowingly participated in any attempt to overthrow the government.

He also described escorting Usman into the Villa, saying security officers allowed entry after he confirmed the visitor was there to see him. He added that he later found Usman taking photographs in his office and warned him against it.

Throughout his statement, Umoru maintained that he was misled by Ibrahim and had no knowledge of any coup plot, adding that he would have distanced himself had he known the true intentions of those involved.

He expressed regret over the incident, apologised to his employers, and reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration.

The court also reviewed a separate video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who said he relocated to Abuja after fleeing insurgency in Maiduguri.

Goni denied involvement in the alleged plot, insisting that funds he received from Colonel Ma’aji were strictly for prayers and charitable purposes.

However, investigators pointed to financial records suggesting multiple transactions dating back to 2023, including a ₦10 million transfer in October 2024, raising questions about his claims.

They also noted discrepancies in his explanation regarding the purpose of the funds, although he maintained that all payments were linked to religious activities.

Following the video evidence, counsel to the sixth defendant, Senior Advocate Michael Numa, requested additional time to review the materials.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation of the trial.