I Was Unaware of Any Coup Plan — Retired Major General Gana
Rejects Coup Claims, Cites Routine Communication With Former Colleague
Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired Nigerian Army Major General, has vehemently denied his involvement in any alleged coup plot to topple President Bola TInubu administration saying that he was unaware of any such plans insisting that he was only caught in the controversy as a result of routine communications with a former military colleague.
The former senior officer made the remarks during a detailed interrogation by a multi-agency investigative panel probing an alleged conspiracy involving serving and retired military personnel and civilians.
Investigators alleged that his name appeared on a financial distribution list linked to suspected coup financing, including a reported ₦2 million transfer.
The retired general acknowledged receiving the money but insisted it was unrelated to any illegal activity.
Last Wednesday, the Nigerian Army told the Federal High Court in Abuja that it uncovered what it described as a credible and elaborate plot to overthrow the administration of President Tinubu through a coup d’état, detailing allegations of planned assassinations, covert meetings, and suspicious financial transactions running into hundreds of millions of naira.
Testifying before the court, a masked operative of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP), identified only as “AAA,” revealed that the military launched an extensive investigation after receiving intelligence that a network of serving and retired security personnel, alongside civilians, were conspiring to violently topple the democratically elected government.
already circulating online and not originally created by him.
“Whatever I receive, I just forward it as it is. I did not originate those things.”
Allegation of Coup Speech and Funding List
Investigators also confronted him with claims that he forwarded historical military speeches, including an alleged coup speech attributed to Brigadier General Joshua Dogonyaro following the 1985 military takeover of the Muhammadu Buhari regime.
Denial of Intent or Knowledge
Throughout the interrogation, the retired general repeatedly denied any knowledge of coup planning or involvement in any subversive activity.
“I never knew he was planning a coup. I just sent it like any other message.”
He also insisted that his experience in the military made him believe such plots would not be allowed to progress undetected.
“Since I joined the army in the 70s, any officer suspected of coup plotting is taken out immediately,” he said.
He further argued that sharing messages should not automatically be interpreted as ideological alignment.
“Let’s talk about issues like bisexual relationships, gay and lesbian matters. Sharing such content can mean either support or disapproval. But consistency matters,” he said. “As for me, those things I sent were not frequent. What I’m trying to say is that I could send you other types of content as well.”
“I don’t think I attached any meaning to it,” he added.
He also rejected suggestions that his communications showed support for military rule or anti-government sentiment.
“No. I don’t support military leadership. I believe that era has passed,” he said.
Emotional Defence and Institutional Criticism
The retired officer expressed frustration over how the allegations were handled, insisting he was being unfairly associated with the case.
“I didn’t originate it. Most of them were already circulating. Why are you so particular about mine, making me a scape goat?” he asked.
He also partially criticised institutional failures, suggesting that proper handling of earlier suspicions might have prevented the escalation.
“I blame him. I also blame the institution because if proper actions had been taken earlier, it might not have escalated to this level,” he said.
The interrogation ended with the retired general maintaining his innocence and reiterating that he had no knowledge of any coup-related plans.
“I never discussed such matters with him. Never.”
