Amid one of Nigeria’s most sensitive security trials in recent times, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana has spoken out, firmly denying any involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an interrogation by investigators, the former senior officer insisted he had no knowledge of any coup plans and had been wrongly linked to the case due to routine interactions with a former colleague.
“I have never been involved in any act of indiscipline or crime,” he said, explaining that since his retirement from the Nigerian Army in 2010, he had lived a quiet life focused largely on farming and family.
How His Name Came Up
Investigators allege that Gana’s name appeared on a financial list connected to the suspected plot, including a ₦2 million transfer believed to be linked to coup funding.
But the retired general offered a different explanation.
He acknowledged receiving the money, but described it as personal support from a longtime associate, not anything tied to illegal activity.
“He has helped me before, even during difficult times in my family,” Gana explained, suggesting the transaction had been misinterpreted.
The Role of Communication
A key part of the investigation also centers on WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged between Gana and another suspect.
According to investigators, some of these messages included politically sensitive materials and past military-related content.
However, Gana dismissed the claims, saying he often forwarded messages without reading or attaching meaning to them.
“Most times, I don’t even read them. I just forward as received,” he said, adding that the materials were already circulating publicly and were not created by him.
Firm Denial of Any Plot
Throughout his questioning, the retired general remained consistent—he denied any knowledge of a coup plan or participation in any form of subversive activity.
“I never knew he was planning anything like that. If I had known, I would have reported it,” he stated.
He also stressed that, based on his years in the military, such plots are usually detected early and dealt with swiftly.
A Case of Misunderstanding?
Gana expressed frustration at what he described as an attempt to make him a scapegoat, arguing that sharing messages or maintaining old relationships should not be mistaken for involvement in a serious crime.
“I didn’t originate anything. Why single me out?” he asked.
He further emphasized that he does not support military rule, noting that Nigeria has moved past that era.
The Bigger Picture
The case, which involves both serving and retired security personnel, continues to raise serious questions about national security and internal trust within the system.
While prosecutors insist there was a coordinated plan involving funding, communication, and reconnaissance, the defendants—including Gana—have all pleaded not guilty.
As proceedings continue, the court will determine whether these claims amount to a real threat—or a case of suspicion built on misunderstood connections.
For now, Gana’s position remains clear:
he was not part of any coup—and should not be treated as one.