Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Was Misguided, Civilians Would Have Stopped It — Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has dismissed the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu as reckless and poorly conceived, saying ordinary Nigerians would have resisted any attempt to overthrow the government.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Musa reacted to the ongoing trial of military officers, civilians and an Islamic cleric accused of involvement in the alleged coup.

According to him, those allegedly behind the plot lacked focus and misled junior officers into participating in what he described as a doomed venture.

“Anyone planning a coup is wasting their time. Even civilians in Nigeria would have resisted them. It was a foolish move for anyone to attempt such,” Musa said.

The minister expressed disappointment over the involvement of some military personnel, describing them as confused individuals who dragged younger officers into trouble.

“I looked at the people involved and shook my head. They are confused individuals who exposed very junior officers who did not know better and dragged them into this mess,” he added.

Musa said the military is handling the matter through established legal procedures, noting that investigations and court martial proceedings are ongoing.

He stated that although it is painful to see military colleagues facing prosecution, due process is being followed.

“It is unfortunate whenever we see our colleagues in such situations, but investigations were thorough. The prosecution and court martial are ongoing, and they are being allowed to defend themselves. The facts are clear, and everything is being handled transparently,” he said.

The defence minister maintained that there was no justification for the alleged plot, arguing that the armed forces had been well supported by the government through salary payments, improved allowances and better military equipment.

Musa also addressed his removal as Chief of Defence Staff in October 2025, shortly after reports of the alleged coup surfaced. He explained that his exit was a presidential decision and denied any link to the allegations.

“I served for over 34 years and could be relieved at the president’s discretion. Five weeks later, I returned as minister, which clearly shows I had no involvement. We were actually the ones who uncovered and reported the coup attempt,” he said.

He revealed that he chaired the committee that investigated the alleged conspiracy.

The federal government recently arraigned six persons before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on treason, terrorism and money laundering linked to the alleged plot to remove Tinubu from office.

Among those facing trial are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Kaduna-based cleric Abdulkadir Sani.

Former Bayelsa governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was also named in the charges but was reported to have fled the country before the alleged conspiracy was uncovered.

The alleged coup plot became public in October 2025 after the federal government cancelled the Independence Day military parade, citing security concerns. Authorities later confirmed that some officers would face court martial over allegations of plans to overthrow the government.

During proceedings at the Federal High Court, prosecutors reportedly played video evidence in which some accused persons admitted having knowledge of the alleged plot.

One of the defendants, retired Naval Captain Victor, allegedly admitted knowing about discussions on overthrowing the government but claimed he advised against it.

Police Inspector Ibrahim was also accused of conducting surveillance around the Presidential Villa and discussing access routes with alleged masterminds.

Similarly, cleric Abdulkadir Sani reportedly told investigators he warned those involved that the plan would fail because they would eventually expose one another.