The choice of communication methods can significantly influence the outcome of clandestine operations, as highlighted by recent developments in an alleged coup investigation. For some individuals implicated in the case, their communication extended beyond conventional telephone calls. Notably, messages were exchanged via WhatsApp, while others opted for Zangi, a lesser-known messaging application designed with a focus on privacy and secure communication.
This distinction between the two platforms is noteworthy. WhatsApp, a household name and one of the most widely used messaging applications globally, is familiar to nearly everyone with a smartphone. In contrast, Zangi has carved out its niche by prioritizing private communication, asserting that it does not retain users’ communication histories on its servers and that all messages and calls are safeguarded by end-to-end encryption.
The implications of these choices are profound. The platforms were not merely tools for communication; they became integral to the investigative process as authorities sought to piece together the alleged conspirators’ plans and discern the roles of various individuals in the purported plot to unseat President Bola Tinubu’s government, which was reportedly foiled in September of last year.
Retired navy captain Erasmus Victor, who faces multiple charges including treason, provided insight into the role of one of these messaging applications during his interrogation by military investigators. According to reports, Mr. Victor detailed how he was allegedly recruited to find financial backers for the coup—a task he claimed to have subtly sidestepped. He mentioned being instructed to approach several potential sponsors, including prominent political figures, to secure their support, although he ultimately did not reach out to any of them. Mr. Victor, who transitioned from military service to politics, expressed regret for not reporting the alleged coup plot to authorities, despite initially dismissing its seriousness.
Why Ma’aji Introduced Zangi
Mr. Victor recounted that the suspected mastermind behind the alleged coup, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, introduced him to Zangi, citing its superior security features compared to traditional phone calls. He specifically downloaded the application to facilitate communication with Colonel Ma’aji and Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah, whose name later emerged prominently in the investigation. This detail underscores the application’s introduction as a means of secure communication among specific individuals.
The App
While Zangi remains relatively unknown to many Nigerians, its commitment to privacy is central to its identity. The company behind the platform claims it does not store communication histories on its servers; instead, such histories are kept locally on users’ devices. Additionally, Zangi’s end-to-end encryption is enabled by default, with decryption occurring solely on users’ devices. Unlike WhatsApp, which requires a mobile number for registration, Zangi assigns users a private Zangi number, although WhatsApp is reportedly working on incorporating a similar feature.
However, the privacy offered by Zangi does not render conversations immune to investigation. The architecture of the application suggests that investigators may find it more fruitful to examine the devices used by participants rather than relying on a messaging company to provide a comprehensive archive of conversations. Evidence presented in court, including printouts of messages exchanged between suspects, illustrates the importance of the devices in the ongoing investigation.
What Exactly Does “Encrypted” Mean?
The term “encrypted” often conveys an impression of impenetrability regarding communication records, but this is not entirely accurate. End-to-end encryption is designed to prevent unauthorized access to message content during transmission; however, it does not erase the physical devices where communications may be stored. A phone can retain conversations, contacts, photographs, and various other materials, along with metadata about the timing and participants of communications.
This distinction is crucial in investigations focused on reconstructing relationships and interactions. Investigators do not need to recover every detail of conversations to establish that communication occurred. A communication trail can be significant when considered alongside financial records, movements, meetings, witness accounts, and other electronic evidence. Thus, while the choice of an encrypted application is intriguing, it is not necessarily determinative in the broader context of the investigation.
Where the Case Stands
Mr. Victor and his co-defendants have denied any wrongdoing, challenging the admissibility of statements obtained during the investigation, which they claim were extracted improperly. The prosecution has countered these allegations, urging the court to accept the statements as evidence. However, the court has yet to issue a ruling on this matter. All claims made in the statements, including those of Mr. Victor, remain subject to proof and do not imply guilt at this stage of the proceedings.
