JUST IN: Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Secret Plot to Arrest Aregbesola, Amaechi, Other Coalition Leaders

A civil society organisation has raised the alarm over what it described as a covert plan to arrest and detain key opposition figures across Nigeria, warning that the alleged move poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic foundations and could deepen political tension ahead of future elections.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the group operating under the platform “Bí a bá pa ìtàn mọ́, ìtàn á pa wa” — a Yoruba expression meaning “When truth is suppressed, it eventually destroys those who suppress it.” The statement was signed by the group’s coordinator, Adekunle O. Adebayo.

According to the group, information available to it points to a “quiet but coordinated” effort to target prominent opposition politicians through arrests that may be carried out without transparency or due process. Those reportedly on the alleged watch list include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, as well as several other influential political figures cutting across party lines.

The group further claimed that other notable personalities, including former Minister of Communications Isa Ali Pantami and Kashim Ibrahim Imam, have also been identified as potential targets in what it described as a widening dragnet against politically exposed persons perceived to be aligned with emerging opposition coalitions.

In its statement, the organisation warned that the alleged plan represents “a dangerous turn for Nigeria’s democracy,” arguing that it appears designed not to uphold the rule of law but to weaken and neutralise opposition forces ahead of critical political contests.

“This is not about law enforcement or accountability,” the group alleged. “It is a political project aimed at silencing dissent, intimidating opposition voices, and dismantling coalition platforms that pose a challenge to the ruling establishment.”

The group linked the alleged plot to what it described as a growing pattern of politically sensitive arrests and detentions in recent months. It cited the cases of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Labour Chris Ngige, suggesting that these earlier actions may have set the tone for a broader strategy now being rolled out.

According to the statement, the operation is allegedly being driven by a covert multi-agency security directive, with coordination said to be coming from the Office of the National Security Adviser. The group claimed the directive is being implemented through a task force made up of anti-corruption, intelligence, and financial crime agencies, a structure it said allows for swift action with minimal public oversight.

The organisation expressed particular concern over the case of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. It noted that investigations linked to his time in office have reportedly been ongoing for more than two years, yet, according to the group, no personal wrongdoing has been established against him.

“The prolonged nature of these investigations, without clear outcomes, raises serious questions about motive,” the statement said. “It reinforces fears that possible arrests are being considered not because of evidence, but because of political calculations.”

Beyond arrests, the group alleged that the broader strategy includes selective enforcement of the law, prolonged detentions without formal charges, pressure on politically exposed persons to defect to the ruling party, and the disruption of lawful opposition meetings. It also accused authorities of encouraging internal divisions within opposition parties and using extended court processes to exhaust opposition resources financially and psychologically.

The organisation warned that if these actions are carried out, they would amount to grave violations of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including breaches of fundamental rights to personal liberty, freedom of association and expression, equality before the law, and the independence of the judiciary.

“Selective justice, based on political affiliation, undermines the very foundations of constitutional democracy,” the statement said, adding that the erosion of due process could leave democratic institutions existing “only in form, not in substance.”

The group called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to closely monitor developments and demand transparency and adherence to the rule of law. It warned that the country risks sliding into a system where political power is sustained through coercion and fear rather than popular consent and democratic accountability.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the federal government or security agencies to the allegations. However, the group insisted that silence in the face of such claims would only heighten public anxiety and mistrust.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads,” the statement concluded. “The choices made now will determine whether the nation strengthens its democracy or drifts further toward authoritarianism under the guise of security and anti-corruption.”