A Federal High Court in Abuja has viewed video recordings of investigative interviews involving three of the six men standing trial for an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
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In the footage played during Monday’s session, two of the defendants—retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor and Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim—admitted they were aware of the alleged coup plot. Conversely, the third defendant, retired Major General Mohammed Gana, denied any prior knowledge of the plan.
The recordings, presented on a hard drive by the prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, were met with strong objections from defense counsel.
The defense argued that the statements were not made voluntarily and challenged the decision to play the recordings in open court before they were formally admitted as evidence.
Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik overruled these objections, stating that playing such recordings is standard judicial practice.
However, the judge noted the defense’s concerns and indicated that the court would conduct a trial-within-trial to determine if the statements were obtained voluntarily and without duress.
The trial has been adjourned until May 5, 2026, for further proceedings.
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