A former governor from one of the southern states is said to be under investigation for his alleged connection to the army officers detained over an alleged coup plot.
Sources who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, hinted that there was suspicion that the former governor financed the alleged plot, which was reported to have been scheduled for October 25.
Multiple news organisations including NewsWireNGR at the weekend, reported that the 16 officers who the Defence Headquarters said were arrested for certain unprofessional conduct, were being investigated over an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Some of the detainees, including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel and others below that rank were reported to be officers attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
One of our sources disclosed that the report of the planned coup attempt was true.
“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,” he stated.
The source added that the “former civilian governor being investigated over the matter is also a former operative in the oil and gas sector, but his involvement has not been confirmed.”
One of the sources said the investigators were trying to establish the nature of the former governor’s recent interactions with the detained officers.
He said the former governor might be invited for interrogation should credible links between him and the detained officers be established.
It has been reported that the investigation is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with representation from the three services of the Armed Forces.
“Members of the probe panel are very senior officers, headed by a major general. The comprehensive list of officers being investigated is highly guarded,” he said.
Our sources also stated that the Brigadier-General being referred to is from Niger State.
“The Colonel from Nasarawa State that is being investigated is also from a very influential family. His father is a traditional ruler in Nasarawa State and a brother of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura,” the source added.
Findings in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, revealed that members of the Al-Makura family are worried.
“He is my uncle,” a family member told Daily Trust last night.
“The entire family is in distress. I am personally worried…The wife of the officer is worried.
“Our prayer is may they not be found guilty of the allegation,” the family member said.
Daily Trust further gathered that more officers have been picked for questioning over their remote or direct connection with the alleged coup plan.
“Aside from the former governor, there are other influential politicians from both north and southern parts of the country that are being watched,” said another source.
On Saturday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, described the reports alleging that the country’s 65th independence anniversary activities were cancelled over an attempted coup plot as false and misleading.
It urged the public to disregard the misinformation being circulated by who it described as purveyors of falsehoods and enemies of the nation.
The statement, titled ‘DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt’, read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace. The decision regarding the cancellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
“Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.
“The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and wellbeing of the nation. Democracy is forever.
“The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
The October 4 statement by the military
Daily Trust recalled that on October 4, 2025, the military high command issued a statement titled “update/press statement on the breach of security in the country: Sixteen officers to face military justice for indiscipline, breach of service regulations”.
The statement, signed by Brigadier General Gusau, opened the floodgate for the stories on the alleged coup plot.
It said: “Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.
“Upon completion of investigation indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.
“The Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” the statement said.
But a credible source said the statement was carefully crafted after wide consultations with stakeholders.
“Based on the advice by the Attorney General of the federation, the whole thing was toned down so that it doesn’t create apprehension for the citizens, investors and the international community.
“It was doctored to appear routine. However, investigation and prosecution must still take place. The COAS (chief of army staff) went to see Mr President in Lagos yesterday (October 3) and returned. He showed him (Tinubu) the preliminary report and the press release before he authorized it,” the source said.
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