ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been mentioned in investigation records relating to the alleged 2025 coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, court documents indicate that there is no evidence suggesting the minister was contacted, participated in discussions, or had prior knowledge of the alleged conspiracy.
The revelation emerged from the statement of retired naval officer, Captain Erasmus Victor, one of the defendants currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged plot to overthrow the Federal Government.
According to Victor’s statement to investigators, the FCT minister’s name surfaced during discussions initiated by Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who allegedly sought financial backing from prominent and influential Nigerians to fund the proposed operation.
Victor explained that Ma’aji approached him because of their long-standing professional relationship dating back to their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where Victor served as Commanding Officer of the Burma Battalion while Ma’aji was his adjutant.
He told investigators that Ma’aji became increasingly frustrated after allegedly missing out on a promotion around 2023 and subsequently expressed dissatisfaction with his career progression.
Victor said he advised the officer to abandon any idea capable of undermining Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and instead prepare for retirement. Despite the advice, Ma’aji allegedly insisted he was willing to do “anything necessary,” a statement Victor interpreted as an indication of possible unconstitutional intentions.
As discussions progressed, Victor alleged that Ma’aji began identifying wealthy individuals who could potentially finance the operation. It was during this process that the name of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reportedly came up.
Victor disclosed that he had previously served as Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State during Wike’s tenure as governor and left office in 2021. Based on that relationship, Ma’aji allegedly suggested that Victor approach Wike for financial assistance.
The retired naval officer, however, maintained that he neither contacted the minister nor approached any other individual for funding. He stated that he later informed Ma’aji that he had been unable to secure any financial support.
The investigation records tendered before the court reportedly contain no indication that Wike was aware of the alleged conspiracy or participated in any discussions concerning the purported plan.
Alleged Plot to Overthrow Government
Security agencies reportedly launched investigations after uncovering the alleged conspiracy in September 2025.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly planned to assassinate President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, service chiefs, and other senior government officials before attempting to seize power.
Investigators further alleged that responsibilities had been assigned among members of the group, including military operations, recruitment, logistics, intelligence gathering, propaganda, and financial mobilisation.
Victor is standing trial alongside serving and retired military personnel accused of participating in the alleged conspiracy.
Victor Questions Credibility of Alleged Coup Plan
In his statement, Victor expressed doubts about whether Ma’aji genuinely intended or possessed the capacity to execute a coup.
He told investigators that he eventually suspected the alleged operation might have been a scheme to defraud wealthy individuals by using the idea of a coup as a pretext for soliciting funds.
Victor stated that he repeatedly warned Ma’aji that raising money for such an illegal venture would prove difficult because potential sponsors were unlikely to support it.
He acknowledged communicating with Ma’aji through Zangi, an encrypted messaging platform reportedly recommended for secure communication. He also confirmed exchanging messages with another defendant, Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah, through the platform.
Investigators alleged that Bappah received ₦5 million on September 27, 2025, from funds linked to the alleged operation. Victor, however, denied any involvement in financial transactions connected with the conspiracy.
The retired officer also admitted there were discussions about possible appointments should the alleged takeover succeed. According to him, Ma’aji once asked which office he would prefer in the proposed administration. Victor said he jokingly referred to an earlier suggestion that he could serve as Chief of Staff to the President, while Ma’aji allegedly responded that he would become a minister.
Victor insisted the exchange was merely casual conversation and should not be interpreted as support for any plan to overthrow the government.
He further revealed that Ma’aji estimated approximately ₦2 billion would be required to finance the alleged operation.
Although Victor admitted forwarding some revolutionary-themed materials to Ma’aji via WhatsApp, he maintained that he consistently discouraged the alleged plot and never participated in any attempt to subvert Nigeria’s constitutional order.
The matter remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution continues to present its evidence while the defendants contest the allegations.
