Inside Alleged Tinubu Coup Plot: How Aso Rock Police Insider Allegedly Turned ‘Mission’ Into Personal Cash Machine

Fresh revelations have emerged about the alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, exposing how a police inspector attached to the Presidential Villa allegedly exploited the conspirators for personal financial gain instead of helping them carry out their plans.
According to confidential investigation documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the alleged coup plotters believed that gaining support from insiders at the Presidential Villa was crucial to successfully accessing the heavily fortified seat of power without violence.
Their search reportedly led them to Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, a police officer assigned to VIP escort duties and security at the Presidential Villa’s gates.
However, investigators allege that rather than assisting the plot, Ibrahim deceived the alleged conspirators into believing he could provide access while collecting money from them.
The case forms part of ongoing prosecutions involving 36 serving military officers facing a General Court Martial, alongside six other suspects—including retired senior military officers, civilians, and Inspector Ibrahim—who are standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on treason-related charges.
All the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
How the Alleged Plot Unfolded
Investigators say the alleged conspirators had earlier attempted to disrupt the May 29, 2023 inauguration of President Tinubu, but the plan reportedly collapsed due to financial and logistical setbacks.
The alleged plot was said to have been revived in 2025 after investigators claimed fresh funding became available. Prosecutors also allege the group compiled a list of high-profile targets, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, service chiefs, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade.
Villa Access Allegedly Used as Bait
In his statement to investigators, Inspector Ibrahim said he first met the alleged mastermind, retired Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, through another military officer during a Ramadan lecture in Abuja.
He claimed the retired officer later confided in him about plans to overthrow the government and sought his help in securing access to the Presidential Villa.
Instead of reporting the conversation, Ibrahim alleged that he and another Villa worker agreed to “buy time” by pretending access was possible while collecting money from the retired officer.
Investigators say the officer allegedly received multiple cash transfers and gifts ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦200,000, as well as ₦1 million before his wedding.
He admitted using part of the money for school fees and wedding expenses.
Reconnaissance and Secret Codes
Although he maintained that penetrating the Villa was impossible, Inspector Ibrahim admitted taking two serving major generals on guided tours around sections of the Presidential Villa.
Investigators consider those movements significant evidence in the ongoing case.
He also disclosed alleged code words reportedly used by members of the network, with terms such as “farmer” referring to troops, “harvesting” meaning overthrowing the government, and “farmland” referring to the Presidential Villa.
Why He Kept Quiet
Despite claiming he never intended to support the alleged coup, Inspector Ibrahim admitted he never informed his superiors or any security agency about the conversations.
When questioned, he reportedly said he remained silent out of “fear of the unknown.”
The allegations remain part of the prosecution’s case and have not been proven in court. All defendants have denied wrongdoing and continue to challenge the charges as proceedings continue before both the Federal High Court and the General Court Martial.