Former Southern Governor Under Security Watch Over Alleged Coup Plot
Multiple security sources who spoke to Daily Trust hinted that investigators suspect the unnamed former governor may have provided financial support to the alleged conspirators, who were reportedly planning to carry out the operation on October 25.
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Former Southern Governor Under Security Watch Over Alleged Coup Plot
A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states is reportedly under investigation for alleged links to a group of military officers recently arrested over an alleged coup plot targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Multiple security sources who spoke to Daily Trust hinted that investigators suspect the unnamed former governor may have provided financial support to the alleged conspirators, who were reportedly planning to carry out the operation on October 25.
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Over the weekend, online platforms Sahara Reporters and Premium Times reported that 16 military officers arrested by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for “unprofessional conduct” were actually being detained over an alleged plan to topple the government. Among those in custody are a Brigadier-General, a Colonel and other officers, some reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Former Governor Under Probe
According to one source, preliminary findings suggest “civilian accomplices” were involved in the alleged plot.
“Yes, that is true. There are civilian accomplices, including a former governor, but the extent of their involvement is being investigated. For now, there are 16 officers involved and in custody,” the source said.
The former governor in question is also said to have a background in the oil and gas sector. Investigators are reportedly trying to determine his recent interactions with the detained officers. He may be invited for questioning if credible links are established.
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Another insider revealed that the probe is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force participating.
Influential Families Caught in the Storm
Sources further disclosed that the detained Brigadier-General hails from Niger State, while the Colonel under investigation is from Nasarawa State and comes from a prominent royal family linked to former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
Family members contacted in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, expressed anxiety.
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“The entire family is in distress. I am personally worried… Our prayer is may they not be found guilty of the allegation,” a relative said.
More officers have reportedly been picked for questioning, while “other influential politicians from both northern and southern parts of the country are being watched,” one source added.
Defence Headquarters Denies Coup Claims
Despite the swirling reports, the Defence Headquarters on Saturday denied ever confirming a coup plot.
In a statement titled “DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt,” Defence spokesperson Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau dismissed media reports linking the arrest of the officers to an attempted coup.
“The claims are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension… The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline,” the statement read.
The DHQ insisted that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade was unrelated to any security threat, attributing it instead to President Tinubu’s international engagements and the Armed Forces’ ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
Public Demand Transparency
As public speculation grows, many Nigerians have taken to social media demanding transparency from the military.
“Breach of service regulations? Tell us the exact breach. Don’t put us in darkness,” one user wrote.
Another added: “If they are being paid with our taxes, then we deserve to know what’s going on.”
