A former southern governor is under investigation for allegedly financing a foiled coup plot involving 16 detained army officers, though the Defence Headquarters has denied any coup attempt.
A former governor from one of the southern states is under investigation over alleged connections with army officers detained for plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Security sources told Daily Trust that the former governor allegedly financed the planned coup, which was reportedly scheduled for October 25.
Sixteen officers—including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and others attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser—are currently in custody.
“Yes, that is true. There are civilian accomplices, including a former governor, but the extent of their involvement is being investigated,” a source said, adding that the probe is being handled by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Family members of one of the detained officers, a Colonel from Nasarawa State, confirmed their distress. “Our prayer is may they not be found guilty of the allegation,” a relative said.
However, the Defence Headquarters denied that any coup plot existed, insisting that the detained officers were being investigated for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” DHQ spokesperson Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau stated.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting online for the military to disclose the identities and offences of the detained officers, as the probe continues under a major general–led panel.