Retired Nigerian Army Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana has denied involvement in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, stating he was unaware of any conspiracy. During interrogation by a multi-agency panel, Gana said his name surfaced due to routine communication with former military colleague Colonel MA Ma'aji, with whom he shared limited business and social ties. Investigators alleged Gana's name appeared on a financial distribution list tied to suspected coup financing, including a ₦2 million transfer. He acknowledged receiving the money, explaining it was personal assistance from Ma'aji during family hardship, including when his wife was hospitalized before her death.
The Nigerian Army informed the Federal High Court in Abuja last Wednesday of a credible and elaborate plot to overthrow President Tinubu, involving assassinations, covert meetings, and suspicious financial transactions. A masked Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police operative, identified only as "AAA," testified that intelligence led to the exposure of a network of serving and retired personnel and civilians. Six defendants, including Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three civilians—Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are on trial for treason, terrorism, and money laundering in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026. Former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva was named in the charge but is at large, allegedly having fled Nigeria. Gana, who retired in 2010 after 35 years of service as Chief of Defence Logistics, said he has lived quietly since retirement, focusing on farming. He denied any act of indiscipline and claimed he only forwarded WhatsApp messages without reading them. Thirty-six military officers, including Ma'aji, face separate court-martial proceedings.
Mohammed Ibrahim Gana claims he received ₦2 million from a man now accused of leading a coup plot, yet insists the money was personal aid during his wife's illness. He admits to forwarding unverified messages while maintaining no knowledge of any conspiracy. If financial help from a suspected ringleader raises no red flags, then the definition of suspicion becomes meaningless. Ordinary Nigerians facing similar links would not be granted the same benefit of doubt.
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