Coup Probe: Army Officer Linked To ₦65m Vehicle Purchase As Investigation Deepens

An Abuja-based automobile dealer has told military investigators that an Army officer linked to the alleged 2025 coup plot purchased six vehicles worth ₦65 million during the period investigators identified as the height of the suspected operation.

According to Ireporter Online, the vehicles purchased by Col. Mohammed Ma’aji included three Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV and two Toyota Corolla cars.

The car dealer, Ahmed Abdulganiyu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Arun G Motors in Lokogoma, Abuja, disclosed the details in a statement provided during an investigation into the alleged attempt to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement is reportedly among the documents being relied upon by the prosecution in the ongoing trial involving six defendants facing multiple charges, including allegations of treason and money laundering.

Abdulganiyu told investigators that the transaction began on September 26, 2025, after a man identified as Aliyu contacted him on behalf of his superior, requesting a Toyota Corolla.

He said Aliyu later arrived at the dealership alongside Col. Ma’aji, after which they visited other car dealers in Abuja because his company did not have all the requested vehicles available.

According to the dealer, the final purchase consisted of two Toyota Corolla cars, one Toyota Prado and three Toyota Hilux trucks.

He explained that ₦46.5 million was transferred into his Access Bank account on September 27, while another ₦18.5 million was paid into an account belonging to his associate, Christopher Elube, bringing the total transaction value to ₦65 million.

Abdulganiyu said four of the vehicles — the three Hilux trucks and the Prado SUV — were taken away, while the two Corolla cars remained at his dealership and had not been collected.

The dealer also revealed that he transferred ₦700,000 to Aliyu after receiving approval and received an additional ₦300,000 from Ma’aji for the installation of a compressed natural gas system in one of the Corolla vehicles.

He added that receipts and documents relating to the transactions were submitted to investigators.

Months after the purchase, 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.

Investigators reportedly linked the vehicle purchases to financial transactions allegedly connected with individuals suspected of involvement in the coup plot, although the documents did not establish that the vehicles were specifically intended for use in the alleged operation.

Col. Ma’aji, a senior military officer attached to the Defence Space Administration, has been described by investigators as a key figure in the alleged conspiracy.

Authorities alleged that he presented the plan to former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who has denied any involvement in the matter.

Six defendants are currently facing charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, while some serving military personnel are also undergoing trial before a General Court Martial.

The accused persons have denied all allegations and challenged the admissibility of some evidence presented by the prosecution, arguing that certain statements and recordings were obtained without following proper legal procedures.

The prosecution has maintained that the evidence was lawfully obtained, while the court is yet to deliver a ruling on the disputed materials.