Reports emerged on Saturday alleging that some military officers were picked up by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly plotting to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to Sahara Reporters, the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested in their homes across the country for allegedly holding secret meetings aimed at destabilising the government.
However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed the claims, insisting that the October 1 Independence Day parade was not cancelled due to any coup threat.
It further clarified that the sixteen officers currently under investigation were not linked to any plot to overthrow the Tinubu-led government.
Reacting to the controversy, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, called for transparency over the matter.
Johnson, in an interview with Punch, noted that with time the truth behind the trending report will be disclosed.
He said, “They should let us know what actually happened. We have to know the charges and whether they are facing court-martial or not.
“So, we will know with time whether the military was lying to us or whether the news of soldiers planning a coup is true. Whichever way, we ought to know. That is part of the due process.”
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