According to fresh details emerging from the trial over the alleged 2025 coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, it was reported that several vehicles were acquired, likely linked to the alleged conspiracy.
Military investigators have alleged that an Army officer accused of involvement in the 2025 coup plot purchased six vehicles worth ₦65 million during the period authorities believe preparations for the alleged operation were underway.
The claim emerged from an extrajudicial statement made by Ahmed Abdulganiyu, Chief Executive Officer of Arun G Motors in Lokogoma, Abuja, who supplied details of the transaction to investigators.
According to the statement, which is part of the prosecution’s evidence in the ongoing trial of military officers and civilians accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the vehicles included three Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, and two Toyota Corolla cars.
Dealer Unveils Vehicle Purchase
Abdulganiyu told investigators that the transaction began on September 26, 2025, when a man identified as Aliyu contacted him, saying his superior wanted to purchase a Toyota Corolla.
Later that same day, Aliyu reportedly visited the dealership with Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who has been identified by investigators as one of the key suspects in the alleged coup plot.
The dealer explained that his company did not have all the requested vehicles in stock, prompting him to accompany the two men to other dealerships across Abuja to complete the purchase.
According to his statement, they eventually acquired:
• Three Toyota Hilux trucks
• One Toyota Prado SUV
• Two Toyota Corolla cars
Payments Totalled ₦65 Million
Abdulganiyu stated that the first payment of ₦46.5 million was credited to his Access Bank account on September 27, 2025.
A second payment of ₦18.5 million was allegedly transferred the following day into the Access Bank account of his business associate, Christopher Elube, bringing the total transaction value to ₦65 million.
He further disclosed that shortly after the second payment was confirmed, an unidentified individual arrived to collect the three Hilux trucks and the Prado SUV, while the two Corolla vehicles remained at the dealership.
According to him, the Corolla cars have never been picked up.
Investigators noted that although there is no direct evidence proving the vehicles were intended for use in the alleged coup, the purchases coincided with what they described as a period of significant financial transfers allegedly linked to the suspected conspiracy.
Other Financial Transactions
The dealer also revealed that he transferred ₦700,000 to Aliyu after receiving approval to do so.
He added that Colonel Ma’aji later sent an additional ₦300,000 to install a compressed natural gas (CNG) system in one of the Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Receipts for the transactions were reportedly attached to his statement submitted to investigators.
Further Revelation
Months after the vehicle purchases, Abdulganiyu said a military officer identified as Lt. Col. John visited his dealership and informed him that the vehicles had become part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged coup plot.
According to investigators, the payment dates and transaction amounts correspond with financial records provided by a Bureau de Change operator allegedly involved in distributing funds connected to the suspected operation.
The BDC operator reportedly identified the transfers as payments made on the instructions of Colonel Ma’aji.
Colonel Ma’aji in the Centre
Military investigators have described Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, a 50-year-old officer attached to the Defence Space Administration, as a central figure in the alleged coup conspiracy.
Authorities further alleged that Ma’aji presented the alleged plan to former Bayelsa State Governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, whom investigators claim became the principal financier of the operation.
Sylva has consistently denied any involvement in the allegations.
In October 2025, his spokesperson described him as a committed democrat with no connection to any coup plot or its logistics.
Pleaded Not Guilty, Trial Proceeds
The Federal Government has filed 13 charges, including treason and money laundering, against six defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja, while several serving military personnel are also facing trial before a General Court Martial.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty and urged the court to reject the prosecution’s extrajudicial statements and video recordings, arguing they were obtained without complying with legal safeguards.
The prosecution, however, insists the evidence was lawfully obtained, while the court is yet to rule on its admissibility.
