A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states is reportedly under investigation for alleged involvement in a foiled coup plot purportedly aimed at toppling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Truth Live News gathered that the former governor, who also has a background in the oil and gas sector, is being probed for allegedly financing the suspected coup, which was said to have been planned for October 2025.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier confirmed that 16 officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, were arrested for what it described as “unprofessional conduct.” However, multiple credible sources revealed that the detained officers are being investigated over their alleged connection to a planned coup.
According to sources, the high-profile investigation is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) with senior representation from all three branches of the Armed Forces.
“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 in custody,” one senior military source told Daily Trust.
The source further revealed that the investigators are trying to establish the nature of the former governor’s communication and financial transactions with the detained officers. He added that the former governor may be invited for questioning should credible evidence link him to the alleged conspiracy.
It was also gathered that one of the detained officers, a Brigadier-General, hails from Niger State, while a Colonel under investigation is from Nasarawa State and reportedly a member of the prominent Al-Makura family.
A family source in Lafia confirmed the arrest and expressed distress over the development.
“He is my uncle. The entire family is in distress. The wife of the officer is worried. Our prayer is that they will not be found guilty,” the source said.
Further findings indicate that more officers and politicians from both the northern and southern regions are now under surveillance for possible links to the alleged coup plot.
DHQ Denies Coup Allegation, Calls Reports ‘False and Misleading’
In a statement released on Saturday, the Defence Headquarters dismissed media reports suggesting a coup attempt and linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to it.
Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, described the reports as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.”
“The decision to cancel the anniversary parade was solely to enable the President attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to allow the Armed Forces to sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism and banditry,” the statement read.
The DHQ maintained that the detention of the 16 officers was an internal disciplinary measure related to breaches of service regulations.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public. The Armed Forces remains loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement concluded.
The controversy began on October 4, 2025, when the military high command issued a press statement announcing the arrest of 16 officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
According to the release, the detained officers’ grievances allegedly stemmed from perceived stagnation in promotions and dissatisfaction with the military hierarchy.
However, insiders revealed that the official statement was deliberately toned down following consultations with top government officials and the Attorney-General of the Federation to avoid panic among citizens and the international community.
“It was doctored to appear routine. But investigation and prosecution must still take place,” one insider disclosed.
The news has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians demanding that the military disclose the identities of the detained officers and the exact nature of their alleged offences.
One Facebook user, Adelabi Gbenga, wrote:
“Dear military, kindly tell Nigerians the specific offences these officers committed. There’s no smoke without fire.”
Another, Edidiong Jackson, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Breach of service regulations? Tell us the exact breach. Don’t keep Nigerians in the dark.”
Despite official denials, the investigation has heightened political tension and speculation nationwide as Nigerians await clarity on the alleged plot and the involvement of the unnamed former governor.