A former Southern governor is reportedly under investigation over alleged links to army officers detained for plotting a coup.
According to Daily Trust, there is suspicion that the ex-governor financed the alleged plan, which was said to be scheduled for October 25.
Premium Times and Sahara Reporters had earlier reported that 16 officers—whom the Defence Headquarters said were arrested for “unprofessional conduct”—were being probed for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among those detained are a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several junior officers reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
A source who spoke to Daily Trust confirmed the authenticity of the alleged plot, saying, “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.”
The source added that the “former civilian governor being investigated is also a former operative in the oil and gas sector, but his involvement has not been confirmed.”
Another source revealed that investigators are working to determine the extent of the former governor’s recent interactions with the arrested officers, noting that he could be summoned for questioning if credible links are established.
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is said to be coordinating the probe alongside senior officers representing the three military services.
“Members of the probe panel are very senior officers, headed by a major general. The comprehensive list of officers being investigated is highly guarded,” the source said.
Daily Trust further reported that the Brigadier-General in custody hails from Niger State, while the Colonel being investigated is from Nasarawa State and belongs to an influential family. His father is a traditional ruler and brother to former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
In Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, family members expressed concern. “He is my uncle,” one relative told Daily Trust. “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 report added that more officers have been invited for questioning over possible links to the alleged plot.
“Aside from the former governor, there are other influential politicians from both the North and South being watched,” another source disclosed.
The development has stirred anxiety among Nigerians concerned about the possibility of a military takeover. The military, which ruled Nigeria for a total of 29 years before handing power to civilians in 1999, has since reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu, declaring that “Democracy is forever.”
