JUST IN: Coup Suspect, Rtd Navy Capt. Victor Erasmus Reveals How Mastermind of 2025 Coup Asked Him To Bring In Wike For Funds
According to a report by Premium Times on 5 August 2026, a coup suspect has alleged that Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji asked him to seek funding from influential individuals for the planned takeover.
The defendant, Erasmus Victor, alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was among those mentioned as a potential financier. However, Victor insisted that he never approached Wike or anyone else to seek funding for the alleged operation.
Victor claimed he repeatedly advised Ma'aji to abandon the alleged plot after the colonel failed to secure a promotion around 2023. According to his statement, Ma'aji later said he needed wealthy sponsors to bankroll the operation.
He said, "Col. Ma'aji asked me to bring Wike to fund the coup to remove President Tinubu."
Victor alleged that the colonel asked him to use his relationship with Wike, having served as chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area while Wike was governor of Rivers State, to seek financial support for the plan.
The retired naval officer, however, maintained that he never contacted Wike or any of the other individuals mentioned. Instead, he claimed he repeatedly told Ma'aji that he had been unable to secure any sponsors. He also alleged that he began to suspect the plan was a scam aimed at defrauding wealthy individuals.
He further admitted that he never informed security agencies despite becoming aware of the alleged conspiracy. He claimed he consistently discouraged Ma'aji from pursuing the plan and believed it would fail.
Victor and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The allegations remain before the court, where their validity will be determined.
Don't be surprised that Amaechi statement would make sense to some uninformed and unintelligent Gen Z. Why would you be complaining of bad economy when you can easily print money in trillions and make it available to people to spend? Or you hand over printing machines to each state to print their monies? Government and economy are rockets science jare!
We've been asking the Opposition not to just criticize Tinubu’s policies without offering another alternative of theirs. And yesterday, Atiku's running mate in the ADC, Amaechi proffered their own alternative. As a member of FEC in the immediate past administration, Rotimi Amaechi said the best bet which is possibly ADC Manifesto is to print Naira. We should not be waiting for any equilibrium in the economy when we still have a lot of money printing machines. This is exactly how the FEC and CBN in the past government ran the economy which made them to print about N30 trillion, ended up destroying both fiscal and monetary policies.
However, I commend ADC for, at least, offering their alternative regardless. I encourage NDC and Obi to offer theirs too so we can set the stage for constructive engagement and debate towards 2027.
When a Government Declares War on the Truth
President Donald Trump of America recently described Nigeria as “a now disgraced country.” The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people.
The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition party in Nigeria. Across military regimes and successive democratic administrations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has maintained a principled voice on national issues and the nation’s conscience, commending governments when they deserved commendation and speaking the truth whenever national conscience demanded it. Its interventions are driven by a moral obligation, rooted in Christian social teaching, to defend truth, justice, and the common good.
The same applies to Nigeria’s major religious organisations. Bodies such as Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have repeatedly raised concerns over economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity. Living among the people, religious leaders often encounter the suffering of citizens firsthand. They speak because they witness families struggling with rising food prices, unemployment, and the fear created by kidnappings and insecurity.
As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction. As Governor, I had the opportunity of working with a very strong Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha, and religious bodies that consistently criticised me and offered suggestions. This contributed greatly to our success in Anambra State, especially in critical areas like education and health.
Against this background, the attacks on the CBCN, and especially on His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, are deeply troubling. Even in 1998, when Pope John Paul II visited Nigeria and told General Abacha some hard truths, including about the incarceration of Chief Moshood Abiola, nobody vilified him.
During the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, to demonstrate his purported commitment to and respect for the Catholic Church, President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome days before the event, ahead of most other visiting dignitaries, including Catholics such as the U.S. Vice President, JD Vance. He participated in the liturgy, queued with other world leaders to greet the Holy Father, and displayed deep respect for the moral authority of the Church. Back in Nigeria, however, that posture has now changed completely.
What is playing out today also reveals how political leaders sometimes exploit religion and ethnicity to divide the people. Even when it was obvious that the CBCN was speaking on issues affecting Nigerians across religious and ethnic boundaries, aides to the President immediately reduced it to a “religious affair.” The question is: are insecurity, poverty, inflation, unemployment, and hardship problems exclusive to a particular faith? Do these challenges recognise religious or tribal boundaries?
The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily: insecurity has worsened, poverty is deepening, inflation is crippling families, businesses are struggling, and hope is fading. These are realities echoed by religious leaders across the country, to whom successive governments gave thanks and promised to look into their observations.
Rather than address these concerns or explain the measures in place to ameliorate them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aides and supporters responded with vicious attacks, particularly against Cardinal John Onaiyekan, with little regard for his age, stature, and accomplishments.
In 2023 election period, it was YES DADDY. Going to 2027 election, it is YOUR EMINENT, YOUR LORDSHIP. Well, it is on record that you divided Anambra state along Catholicism, Anglican and other pentecostal churches when you were the governor of the state. Because it worked for you then, you adopted it in the Nigeria political space forgetting Nigerians are not gullible. Prosperity would judge you for your devilish and hiding agenda.
When a Government Declares War on the Truth
President Donald Trump of America recently described Nigeria as “a now disgraced country.” The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people.
The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition party in Nigeria. Across military regimes and successive democratic administrations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has maintained a principled voice on national issues and the nation’s conscience, commending governments when they deserved commendation and speaking the truth whenever national conscience demanded it. Its interventions are driven by a moral obligation, rooted in Christian social teaching, to defend truth, justice, and the common good.
The same applies to Nigeria’s major religious organisations. Bodies such as Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have repeatedly raised concerns over economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity. Living among the people, religious leaders often encounter the suffering of citizens firsthand. They speak because they witness families struggling with rising food prices, unemployment, and the fear created by kidnappings and insecurity.
As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction. As Governor, I had the opportunity of working with a very strong Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha, and religious bodies that consistently criticised me and offered suggestions. This contributed greatly to our success in Anambra State, especially in critical areas like education and health.
Against this background, the attacks on the CBCN, and especially on His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, are deeply troubling. Even in 1998, when Pope John Paul II visited Nigeria and told General Abacha some hard truths, including about the incarceration of Chief Moshood Abiola, nobody vilified him.
During the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, to demonstrate his purported commitment to and respect for the Catholic Church, President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome days before the event, ahead of most other visiting dignitaries, including Catholics such as the U.S. Vice President, JD Vance. He participated in the liturgy, queued with other world leaders to greet the Holy Father, and displayed deep respect for the moral authority of the Church. Back in Nigeria, however, that posture has now changed completely.
What is playing out today also reveals how political leaders sometimes exploit religion and ethnicity to divide the people. Even when it was obvious that the CBCN was speaking on issues affecting Nigerians across religious and ethnic boundaries, aides to the President immediately reduced it to a “religious affair.” The question is: are insecurity, poverty, inflation, unemployment, and hardship problems exclusive to a particular faith? Do these challenges recognise religious or tribal boundaries?
The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily: insecurity has worsened, poverty is deepening, inflation is crippling families, businesses are struggling, and hope is fading. These are realities echoed by religious leaders across the country, to whom successive governments gave thanks and promised to look into their observations.
Rather than address these concerns or explain the measures in place to ameliorate them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aides and supporters responded with vicious attacks, particularly against Cardinal John Onaiyekan, with little regard for his age, stature, and accomplishments.
This act should be condemned by all reasonable people. Do they want to suspend governance cos of election? The EFCC and any other agents should be neutral and professional.
BREAKING: EFCC freezes Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, ten days to the governorship election in the state.
Osun State Governor Adeleke had a few hours ago alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of top government officials.
He described the reported move as an attempt to cripple government activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election and maintained that there was no legal basis for freezing the accounts of the state government, arguing that the EFCC lacked the statutory powers to take such action.
Governor Adeleke is now considering holding a press conference to address the state over the issue.
This is really sad. Why didn't they do this to the Gov Ekiti state? The EFCC has become a political tool used to Oppress the opposition. To think that the EFCC chairman is a pastor. Nawa ooh
"You cannot improve an economy until it is stable so we have to give the credit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilizing the economy far better than what he inherited" - Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
@General_Somto Second Niger Bridge was built by the democracy. More fly over bridges were built to decongest traffic in urban areas by governors in the democratic setting. Government houses were built by governors. New roads were opened. There is freedom of speech without intimidation, etc
It is obvious that most of the catholic priests are biased because Peter Obi is a member of the church. There should be a way you guys should go about it without dragging the entire catholic with you. The church was built on the word of God, not on the words of clergies, the mortal being. The 2027 Elections would come and go, but the credibility of the priests will be in doubt. Please thread with care.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs our unhindered supports irrespective of our tribes and religious affiliation. I absolutely believe that God has chosen him to redirect and rewrite the story of our dear country for good. It is said that God does not call the perfect man to change an imperfect situation rather, He picks the man with the potential and makes him perfect for the task ahead. I pray that the same God will grant him good health above every other thing. The foundation of greatness is here again! Let's vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027 general elections.
They are loud when it happens in other regions and they keep mute when happens at their doorstep. It seems they love outsiders than themselves. Abi naa hypocrisy dey inside their blood stream?
Kidnappers entered this palatable church in Enugu and kidnapped everyone in Enugu Iboland since the 2ND of August
Suddenly the whole internet is quiet, No outrage. The Southeastern police have been bursting hideouts for days now and seeing human remains across Iboland, every where is Quiet
Make small Car Airbag deploy inside car for Yoruba land na Ibo people go first shout Chineke, they on camera quick to castigate
Where is the Orire Energy now?
EHEN Kwenu
This was before the 2015 election.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke with confidence as the opposition leader, certain that the coalition he built would deliver victory.
The coalition of today lack a Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“At This Point, We Honestly Need a New Country. A Yoruba Man Is Not Fit To Be President Of Nigeria. The Discrimination We Face Abroad Is Too Much. Whenever I Present My Immigration Documents, The Way I’m Looked At With Suspicion Is Overwhelming. They Automatically Assume You’re a Cr!minal.” ~ Speed Darlington Reacts..
Watch the clip of the visit of Catholic Bishops to Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, led by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama. Watch how measured he was, and he even acknowledged the efforts of the government and offered to help displaced people with the resources of the church.
This was the peak of Boko Haram, when Christmas Day bombings were a recurrence. When churches were bombed weekly. St Theresa, St. John, and St. Patrick Cathedrals were all bombed. We couldn't enter the church on Sundays without going through body scanners. 200 churches and 10 dioceses were affected. 90,000 members displaced with over 1,000 unalived, according to the ACN International report.
This other Bishop has been against the president since his Catholic brother emerged as candidate. His candidate is fond of dragging the Catholic church into politics. He did it in Anambra and he has brought it to the National level.