Alleged Coup Plot: Ex-Governor Under Investigation

A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states is under investigation for allegedly funding a planned coup attempt linked to military officers currently in detention.

Sources confirmed that 16 officers—including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and others—are being held for “unprofessional conduct” that reportedly involved plans to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. Some of the detained officers were said to be attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

An insider told *Daily Trust* that the probe, coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), includes senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. “There are civilian accomplices, including a former governor who once worked in the oil and gas sector. His level of involvement is still being verified,” the source said.

Investigators are said to be examining the former governor’s recent contacts with the detained officers, and he may be invited for questioning if strong links are established.

One of the detained officers, a Brigadier-General, is reportedly from Niger State, while a Colonel under investigation hails from Nasarawa State and is related to former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. Family members have expressed concern over his detention.

Additional officers and several influential politicians from both northern and southern Nigeria are reportedly being monitored for possible ties to the alleged plot.

DHQ Denies Coup Allegation
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed reports linking the arrest of the officers to a coup plot, describing them as “false and misleading.”

Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said the detained officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations. He clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was unrelated to any coup attempt, but due to President Tinubu’s foreign engagement and ongoing security operations.

“The Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief,” the DHQ statement read.

Background
On October 4, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” citing grievances over promotion and career stagnation. However, credible sources told *Daily Trust* that the statement was deliberately softened following consultations with government officials to avoid public tension.

Public Reactions
Since the arrests, Nigerians have called on the military to reveal the identities of the detained officers and specify their offences. Many questioned the military’s silence, insisting on transparency over the ongoing investigation.