A shocking courtroom revelation has exposed how a Presidential Villa insider was allegedly drawn into a covert plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu—complete with secret meetings, cash handouts, and suspicious access to Nigeria’s most secured location.

A staff member of the Presidential Villa has admitted involvement in an alleged 2025 coup plot aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu, raising fresh concerns over insider threats within Nigeria’s seat of power.

The accused, Zekeri Umoru, who works in the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa under Julius Berger Nigeria, told investigators he was recruited into the plot by Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, a police officer attached to the Presidential Clinic.

CBI News learnt that in a recorded extra-judicial statement presented in court, Umoru revealed that his involvement began in May 2025 after Ibrahim introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, also known as Colonel Mohammed “Ma’aji.” Initially, Umoru believed Ma’aji was a civilian contractor offering him electrical jobs.

According to his testimony, Umoru received multiple cash payments from Ma’aji, including sums between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 during meetings at a location known as “Tiger Bar.” He also disclosed receiving a significant ₦8.8 million in cash—delivered in a “Ghana Must Go” bag—which he later deposited into a Zenith Bank account.

The following day, an additional ₦2 million was allegedly handed over, with promises of further instructions. Umoru claimed he grew suspicious about the steady flow of money and sought clarification from Inspector Ibrahim.

He told investigators that Ibrahim hinted at a broader plan to “sanitize the government,” allegedly backed by unnamed collaborators. The plan reportedly included using an ambulance driver as a cover to gain access into the Presidential Villa.

Despite these revelations, Umoru insisted he was unaware of any concrete coup plan and maintained that he was misled. He further recounted escorting an associate, Usman—later identified as military personnel—into the Villa without being questioned by security.

He said he later became alarmed when Usman was seen taking photographs within his office and warned him to stop. Umoru expressed regret during the interview, apologising to his employers and reaffirming loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration.

In a related development, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, also featured in a separate video shown in court. Goni denied any involvement in the alleged plot, stating that funds he received from Ma’aji were strictly for prayers and charitable activities.

However, investigators flagged inconsistencies in his claims, presenting financial records that showed transactions running into millions of naira, including a ₦10 million transfer in October 2024—well before the timeline he referenced.

The prosecution argued that conversations and financial exchanges suggested a broader scheme involving access to sensitive locations and acquisition of unspecified “work tools,” although both defendants denied knowledge of any coup attempt.

Following the presentation of the video evidence, defence counsel Michael Numa requested additional time to review the materials. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the trial to May 11, 12, and 13 for continuation.

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