He noted that the Almighty God himself said he regretted creating man, but continues to seek mercy for man.
He said if the government could grant amnesty to terrorists and bandits who had taken the lives of innocent souls, called them repentant and reintegrated them into society, he also should be forgiven because he had served the country meritoriously in the Navy.
Police Insp Ibrahim, who was attached to the State House, told investigators he was initially approached to help facilitate Col. Ma’aji’s promotion through contacts within government circles.
Ibrahim said discussions between him and Ma’aji later shifted from promotion matters to alleged plans to overthrow the government.
He admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance operations around the Presidential Villa, including Aguda House.
He said he took photographs of some parts of the Presidential Villa, including the president’s residence and its surroundings, and discussed possible access routes.
The inspector further confirmed that coded terms such as “fertiliser” and “farming” were used during conversations to refer to funding and the alleged operation.
He maintained, however, that his involvement stemmed from misplaced judgment influenced by his relationship with the principal suspect.
Ibrahim said he merely played along with the alleged plotters because he knew it would be impossible for them to access the state house.
The government’s own news agency, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that at the beginning of every interview session, the investigators explained to the defendants the rationale behind the audiovisual recording of the session, which they said was in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The investigators added that the recording was being conducted to ensure that each defendant’s statement was voluntarily obtained and not obtained under duress, torture, or the promise of any favour.
The investigator equally told them that they had the right to remain silent if they chose not to say anything.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until May 5 at 11 a.m. for continuation of the trial.
News Sourced from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
