A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states is reportedly under investigation by security authorities over his alleged ties to a group of army officers detained for an alleged coup attempt.
According to Daily Trust, multiple security sources confirmed to the media that the former governor was being probed for allegedly providing financial support to the suspected plotters, who were said to have planned to act on October 25.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier disclosed that sixteen military officers were being held for unprofessional conduct, a development which reports claimed was connected to an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to insiders, the detained officers include a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several others reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
‘Coup Report True, Investigation Ongoing’ – Source
One of the sources who spoke to Daily Trust confirmed that there was indeed an investigation into a foiled coup plot.
“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 sixteen officers involved and in custody,” the source stated.
He added that the former governor, described as a onetime player in the oil and gas sector, might soon be invited for questioning once credible links between him and the detained officers were confirmed.
The ongoing investigation is said to be coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with senior officers drawn from the three services of the armed forces.
“Members of the probe panel are very senior officers, headed by a major-general. The list of those being investigated is highly guarded,” the source said.
Another source disclosed that the Brigadier-General under investigation hails from Niger State, while the Colonel in custody is from Nasarawa State, and belongs to an influential family.
“The Colonel’s father is a traditional ruler in Nasarawa State and a brother to former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura,” the source added.
Family in Distress
In Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, members of the Al-Makura family reportedly expressed anxiety over the officer’s detention.
“He is my uncle,” a family member said. “The entire family is in distress. His wife is worried. Our prayer is that they will not be found guilty of this allegation.”
Security sources further revealed that additional officers and political figures — both from the North and South — were being watched for possible complicity.
DHQ Denies Coup Allegation
Earlier, the Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports of a coup plot, describing them as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ said: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
The DHQ explained that the suspension of the anniversary events was to enable President Tinubu attend an international bilateral meeting and allow the military sustain operations against terrorism and banditry.
It maintained that the detention of the sixteen officers was part of a routine disciplinary process, assuring Nigerians that “democracy is forever” and that the armed forces remain loyal to the Constitution.
The October 4 Announcement
Naijaonpoint reports that on October 4, the military high command had announced the arrest of sixteen officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” without mentioning a coup attempt.
The statement noted that the officers’ grievances stemmed largely from “perceived career stagnation and repeated failure in promotion examinations.”
A security insider told journalists that the statement was deliberately toned down after consultations with the Attorney-General to prevent panic among citizens and investors.
“The Chief of Army Staff briefed the President in Lagos and presented the preliminary report before releasing the official statement,” Daily Trust quoted the source as stating.
Naijaonpoint reports that since the news broke, Nigerians on and off social media have demanded that the military disclose the identities of the detained officers and specify their alleged offences.
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