Court shields military witness in Tinubu coup plot trial

Interior of an empty courtroom with gavel, law books and sounding block on the desk.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s request to conceal the identity of a serving military officer set to testify in the trial of six persons accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the protective measures on Wednesday, accepting the prosecution’s argument that exposing the officer during proceedings could endanger his life.

The ruling came as trial commenced for the defendants, who were arraigned on April 22 on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. All six have pleaded not guilty.

The defendants are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Zaria-based cleric Abdulkadir Sani.

Proceedings on Wednesday opened with testimony from three bank officials — representing Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank — who tendered documents obtained from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The documents were admitted in evidence and subjected to cross-examination.

Tension arose when prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo sought protective conditions for the fourth witness, invoking Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which permits courts to adopt such measures in terrorism-related cases.

Defence lawyers did not oppose the application outright but argued that full anonymity would compromise their clients’ right to fair hearing, as witness identity is essential for testing credibility under cross-examination. They urged the court to restrict public access to sensitive proceedings rather than grant blanket anonymity.

Justice Abdulmalik sided with the prosecution, ordering that the witness’s name be withheld from all court records and proceedings. Proceedings were briefly stood down to allow officials erect a protective screen before the witness took the stand.

The trial continues.