A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states is reportedly under investigation for his alleged involvement in a coup plot said to have targeted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to sources who spoke to Daily Trust, suspicions emerged that the former governor might have financed the alleged plan to oust Tinubu, which was reportedly scheduled for Saturday, October 25.

The investigation is said to be coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with representation from all three branches of the Armed Forces. At the weekend, Premium Times reported the Defence Headquarters had arrested 16 military officers for what was described as ‘unprofessional conduct’.

These officers reportedly now being investigated over an alleged plot to overthrow the current administration. Among those detained are a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several officers of lower ranks, sources from the platforms say. It was also reported that some of the suspects were attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Former governor’s alleged links to detained officers Sources confirmed to Daily Trust that the coup plot report was accurate. “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,” one source stated.

The same source added that the former governor under scrutiny was previously active in the oil and gas sector, although his exact role in the alleged conspiracy had not yet been confirmed. Investigators are reportedly working to determine the nature of the former governor’s recent interactions with the detained officers.

One source noted that the former governor could be invited for interrogation if credible links are established. A coup plot investigation expands to include influential politicians across Nigeria, according to sources.

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. The statement 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.

Nigeria had experienced a tumultuous past, with numerous military coups shaping the country’s history since gaining independence in 1960. A list of the military coups that have rocked the nation was complied in this report, looking at the past instances where military intervention led to sudden leadership changes.
By Basit Jamiu
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