Fresh Details Emerge on Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu as Documents Reveal Coded Language, Target Assignments

Fresh details have emerged from confidential investigative documents regarding the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, revealing a sophisticated operation that involved coded language, strategic target assignments, and a proposed post-takeover government structure.

The investigative documents, reportedly running to more than 7,400 pages, contain statements obtained from suspects, bank records, secret notes and recorded conversations.

Security records presented before the Federal High Court in Abuja expose the operational layout, showing that the suspects mapped out coordinated attacks on strategic locations across the country.

According to the documents, the alleged plan revolved around taking control of strategic military installations, securing broadcast facilities and dealing with senior military commanders capable of frustrating the operation. Investigators allege that the conspirators adopted coded agricultural terminology to conceal their discussions.

Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim reportedly told investigators that the suspects referred to themselves as “farmers,” while the wider alleged movement was described as “farming.” “Fertilisers” allegedly referred to logistics such as money, vehicles, weapons and supplies, while “harvest” represented the proposed execution day.

Key targets included the Presidential Villa, Radio House, major airport runways and the personal residences of senior military commanders.

One suspect, identified as Usman, was tasked with directing the assault on the Presidential Villa and had reportedly conducted preliminary physical surveys inside the complex with the assistance of an insider, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who was attached to the Presidential Clinic.

Investigators also uncovered discussions regarding a proposed power blackout at the seat of power.

Zekeri Umoru, an electrician employed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the Villa’s maintenance department, revealed during questioning that planners considered cutting off electricity supply to the complex.

However, Umoru reportedly warned against the idea, stating that a sudden blackout would immediately alert security forces and cause duty staff to be detained and questioned.

The alleged plot included specific role assignments for various officers. Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim was initially assigned to secure the Armed Forces Headquarters but later tasked with going to Radio House in Abuja, where he was expected to read the official overthrow broadcast to the nation . Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji allegedly planned to source weapons from the 45 Special Forces Battalion in Bida, while other officers promised to provide gun trucks, ammunition and troops.

Documents also revealed disagreements among the conspirators regarding the treatment of senior military leadership. Major Ibrahim stated that he advised against killing senior commanders, arguing that successful historical takeovers relied on securing cooperation rather than violence. Following these objections, the group leader agreed that service chiefs would only be arrested.

However, Major A.D. Dauda claimed that Ma’aji explicitly stated that the Chief of Defence Staff would have to be killed or arrested to prevent any interference.

The proposed post-takeover arrangement has also come to light. Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji allegedly planned to assume the position of Head of Government if the operation succeeded.

Ibrahim reportedly claimed that Ma’aji planned to announce a new set of service chiefs during his first address after the proposed takeover. Members of the group were asked to indicate the offices they would prefer in a new administration, with Lieutenant-Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah reportedly requesting appointment as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Defence Minister Christopher Gwabin Musa, a retired general who served on the investigation committee, described those involved as “a bunch of confused junior officers.” He said, “These officers had no reason to do what they did. The country was going very well, the armed forces are being taken care of, and efforts are even being made to increase salaries and allowances. It was just foolhardy for what they were trying to achieve”.

The trial of those linked to the plot is currently ongoing before both military and civilian courts.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has arraigned five associates of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, who has been declared wanted and is believed to have fled the country, over allegations of concealing his whereabouts.