by Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu
Fresh details have emerged from confidential investigative documents on the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, exposing coded communications, specific target assignments, and a proposed post-takeover government structure.
The documents, running to more than 7,400 pages, contain suspect statements, bank records, secret notes, and recorded conversations presented before the Federal High Court in Abuja. They show the suspects mapped out coordinated attacks on strategic locations nationwide, including plans to seize military installations, secure broadcast facilities, and neutralise senior commanders who might resist the operation.
Investigators allege the conspirators used coded agricultural language to mask their plans. According to Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim, the plotters called themselves “farmers” and their movement “farming,” while “fertilisers” stood for logistics — money, vehicles, weapons and supplies — and “harvest” meant the planned execution day.
Key targets reportedly included the Presidential Villa, Radio House, major airport runways, and the homes of senior military commanders. A suspect identified as Usman was assigned to lead the assault on the Villa and allegedly conducted physical surveys inside the complex with help from an insider, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the Presidential Clinic.
Investigators also uncovered talk of cutting power to the seat of power. Zekeri Umoru, a Julius Berger electrician at the Villa’s maintenance department, said planners considered a blackout but that he warned against it, cautioning that a sudden power cut would immediately alert security forces and expose duty staff to detention.
Role assignments detailed in the documents show Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim was first assigned to secure the Armed Forces Headquarters before being redirected to Radio House, where he was expected to deliver the official broadcast announcing the takeover. Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji allegedly planned to source weapons from the 45 Special Forces Battalion in Bida, while other officers pledged gun trucks, ammunition and troops.
The documents also reveal internal disagreement over how to handle senior military leadership. Major Ibrahim said he opposed killing top commanders, citing historical precedent that successful takeovers depended on securing cooperation rather than bloodshed — a position the group leader eventually accepted, agreeing that service chiefs would only be arrested. But Major A.D. Dauda alleged that Ma’aji insisted the Chief of Defence Staff would have to be killed or arrested to prevent interference.
On the proposed post-coup arrangement, Ma’aji allegedly planned to become Head of Government, with Ibrahim claiming he intended to unveil a new set of service chiefs in his first address. Members reportedly indicated preferred offices in the new administration, with Lieutenant-Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah said to have requested the chairmanship of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Defence Minister Christopher Gwabin Musa, a retired general who served on the investigation committee, dismissed the plotters 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 continues before both military and civilian courts.
Separately, 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.
