Fresh Details Reveal How Army Officer Acquired Vehicles for Alleged Coup Against Tinubu

Fresh details have emerged on how an Army officer standing trial over the alleged 2025 coup plot against President Bola Tinubu reportedly acquired several vehicles investigators believe were linked to the alleged conspiracy.

Court documents presented by the prosecution revealed that the officer allegedly purchased six vehicles valued at N65 million during the period security agencies claimed preparations for the alleged plot were at their peak.

The details came from the statement of an Abuja-based automobile dealer who was questioned by military investigators after the alleged conspiracy was uncovered.

The Federal Government is currently prosecuting six suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.

Other serving military officers are also facing trial before a General Court Martial.

All the defendants have denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Dealer Narrates How Transaction Began

According to investigation records tendered in court, the transaction started in late September 2025 after the owner of an Abuja car dealership received a telephone call from a man identified as Aliyu.

The dealer said the caller informed him that his superior wanted to buy a Toyota Corolla.

He explained that the following day, Aliyu visited his office with a man later introduced to him as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

The dealer said the requested vehicles were unavailable at his showroom, prompting the visitors to ask him to accompany them to other car dealerships within Abuja in search of the vehicles.

In his statement, he said, “On 26 September 2025, I was called by one Mr Aliyu that his boss needs a Toyota Corolla.”

He added that after visiting several dealerships, they eventually secured the vehicles.

According to him, the vehicles purchased included three Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV and two Toyota Corolla cars.

Investigators believe the purchases were made during a period they described as critical to the alleged planning of the failed coup.

N65 Million Paid in Two Transfers

The dealer also told investigators how payment for the vehicles was made.

He said the first transfer of N46.5 million was received on September 27, 2025, into his Access Bank account.

According to him, another payment followed shortly afterwards after he provided the account details of one of his associates.

He explained that the second transfer amounted to N18.5 million, bringing the total payment for the vehicles to N65 million.

The dealer further disclosed that shortly after the second payment was confirmed, an unidentified man arrived to collect most of the vehicles.

According to his statement, “Immediately he made a transfer of N18,500,000, a man came and took three Toyota Hilux with one Prado and left two Corollas behind.”

He added that the two Toyota Corolla vehicles remained at his dealership long after the other vehicles had been taken away.

The dealer stated, “Up till now they have not come to carry the Corollas.”

Investigators noted that while there is no direct evidence showing the vehicles were eventually deployed for the alleged coup operation, the dates of payment coincided with other financial transactions allegedly linked to the suspected conspiracy.

The payment records were also said to correspond with details earlier provided by a Bureau De Change operator who allegedly handled cash disbursements connected to the investigation.

Other Payments and Investigation

The dealer also disclosed that additional transactions took place after the purchase.

He told investigators that he transferred N700,000 to Aliyu after receiving approval from Colonel Ma’aji.

He further stated that another N300,000 was sent to him for the installation of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) system on one of the Toyota Corolla vehicles.

According to him, all payment receipts were handed over to investigators.

Months later, the dealer said military investigators visited his business premises after the alleged coup plot came under investigation.

He stated that an officer identified as Lieutenant Colonel John informed him that the vehicles had become part of an ongoing investigation.

According to the dealer, “Lieutenant Colonel John came to my shop and introduced himself. He informed me that there’s an investigation going on about the car.”

Investigators subsequently questioned him about the transactions and obtained his statement as part of the evidence now before the court.

Meanwhile, investigators have alleged that Colonel Ma’aji played a central role in the suspected conspiracy.

They claimed he approached former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva for financial support towards the alleged plot.

Sylva has consistently denied the allegation.

In an earlier statement issued through his spokesperson, he said, “Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever — either in planning or logistics — with any such plot. He is a thoroughbred democrat whose political journey has been defined by faith in democratic processes and institutions.”

The former governor also maintained that reports linking him to the alleged conspiracy were false.

At the Federal High Court, all defendants have rejected the charges filed against them.

They have also challenged the admissibility of the statements attributed to them, arguing that proper legal procedures were not followed when the statements were obtained.

However, prosecutors insisted the statements were lawfully obtained and should be admitted as evidence.

The court is yet to rule on the objections, while the criminal trial continues.