An Abuja-based automobile dealer has told military investigators that an Army officer accused of playing a central role in the alleged 2025 coup plot purchased six vehicles worth ₦65 million during what investigators described as a critical period in the planning of the suspected operation.
The disclosure forms part of the prosecution’s evidence in the ongoing treason and money laundering cases involving military officers and civilians accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to documents cited by Premium Times, the car dealer, Ahmed Abdulganiyu, Chief Executive Officer of Arun G Motors in Lokogoma, Abuja, narrated the transaction in an extrajudicial statement obtained during the investigation.
Dealer recounts ₦65 million transaction
Abdulganiyu told investigators that the deal began on September 26, 2025, after he received a call from a man identified as Aliyu, who informed him that his superior wanted to purchase a Toyota Corolla.
Later that day, Aliyu reportedly visited the dealership alongside an Army officer identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
According to the dealer, his company did not have all the requested vehicles in stock, prompting the trio to visit other car dealerships across Abuja to complete the purchase.
He said they eventually acquired a total of six vehicles, consisting of:
- Three Toyota Hilux pickup trucks
- One Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
- Two Toyota Corolla saloon cars
Payments allegedly made in two instalments
In his statement, Abdulganiyu said ₦46.5 million was transferred into his Access Bank account on September 27, 2025.
He added that another ₦18.5 million was paid the following day into the Access Bank account of his associate, Christopher Elube, bringing the total value of the transaction to ₦65 million.
According to him, immediately after the second payment was confirmed, an unidentified man arrived to collect the three Toyota Hilux trucks and the Prado SUV.
However, the two Toyota Corolla vehicles reportedly remained at the dealership.
“Up till now they have not come to carry the Corollas,” Abdulganiyu reportedly told investigators.
The investigation documents did not explain why the two vehicles were left behind.
Investigators link payments to alleged coup financing
Investigators reportedly said the payment dates and amounts corresponded with financial records supplied by a Bureau de Change operator alleged to have facilitated fund transfers connected to the suspected coup network.
According to the investigators, the BDC operator identified the ₦46.5 million and ₦18.5 million transfers as payments made on the instructions of Colonel Ma’aji.
Although investigators acknowledged that no direct evidence had established the vehicles were intended for use in the alleged coup, they argued that the purchases coincided with a period of significant financial disbursements to individuals and companies allegedly linked to the conspiracy.
Additional payments disclosed
The dealer further stated that he transferred ₦700,000 to Aliyu after obtaining approval from the Army officer.
He also disclosed receiving another ₦300,000 from Ma’aji for the installation of a compressed natural gas (CNG) system in one of the Toyota Corolla vehicles.
According to him, receipts documenting the transactions were submitted to investigators.
Months after the vehicle purchases, Abdulganiyu said another military officer, identified as Lieutenant Colonel John, visited his dealership and informed him that the vehicles were connected to an ongoing military investigation.
Ma’aji identified as principal suspect
Investigators have described Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, an officer attached to the Defence Space Administration, as one of the key figures in the alleged coup plot.
According to the prosecution, Ma’aji allegedly presented the 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 alleged conspiracy.
Sylva has consistently denied the allegation.
In October 2025, his spokesperson described him as a committed democrat who had no involvement in any attempt to overthrow the government.
Trial continues
The case is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where six defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, money laundering and related offences.
Several serving military personnel are also being tried separately before a General Court Martial.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty and challenged the admissibility of the prosecution’s extrajudicial statements and video recordings, arguing that they were obtained in violation of legal procedures.
The prosecution has maintained that all evidence was lawfully obtained, while the court is yet to rule on the admissibility of the disputed materials.
The allegations remain before the court, and no verdict has been reached on the guilt or innocence of the accused persons.
