₦airaland Forum

A former governor from one of the southern states is said to be under investigation for his alleged connection to the army officers detained over an alleged coup plot.

Sources who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, hinted that there was suspicion that the former governor financed the alleged plot, which was reported to have been scheduled for October 25.

At least two online news platforms, Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, had, at the weekend, reported that the 16 officers who the Defence Headquarters said were arrested for certain unprofessional conduct, were being investigated over an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration

Some of the detainees, including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel and others below that rank were reported to be officers attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).


One of our sources disclosed that the report of the planned coup attempt was true.

“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,” he stated.

The source added that the “former civilian governor being investigated over the matter is also a former operative in the oil and gas sector, but his involvement has not been confirmed.”

One of the sources said the investigators were trying to establish the nature of the former governor’s recent interactions with the detained officers.

He said the former governor might be invited for interrogation should credible links between him and the detained officers be established.

It has been reported that the investigation is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with representation from the three services of the Armed Forces.

“Members of the probe panel are very senior officers, headed by a major general. The comprehensive list of officers being investigated is highly guarded,” he said.

Our sources also stated that the Brigadier-General being referred to is from Niger State.

“The Colonel from Nasarawa State that is being investigated is also from a very influential family. His father is a traditional ruler in Nasarawa State and a brother of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura,” the source added.

Findings in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, revealed that members of the Al-Makura family are worried.

“He is my uncle,” a family member told Daily Trust last night.

“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 family member said.

Daily Trust further gathered that more officers have been picked for questioning over their remote or direct connection with the alleged coup plan.

“Aside from the former governor, there are other influential politicians from both north and southern parts of the country that are being watched,” said another source.

We didn’t mention coup – DHQ

On 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.

It urged the public to disregard the misinformation being circulated by who it described as purveyors of falsehoods and enemies of the nation.

The statement, titled ‘DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt’, 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.

“Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.

“The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and wellbeing of the nation. Democracy is forever.

“The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

[b]The October 4 statement by the military[/b

Daily Trust recalled that on October 4, 2025, the military high command issued a statement titled “update/press statement on the breach of security in the country: Sixteen officers to face military justice for indiscipline, breach of service regulations”.

The statement, signed by Brigadier General Gusau, opened the floodgate for the stories on the alleged coup plot.

It said: “Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.

“Upon completion of investigation indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.

“The Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” the statement said.

But a credible source said the statement was carefully crafted after wide consultations with stakeholders.

“Based on the advice by the Attorney General of the federation, the whole thing was toned down so that it doesn’t create apprehension for the citizens, investors and the international community.

“It was doctored to appear routine. However, investigation and prosecution must still take place. The COAS (chief of army staff) went to see Mr President in Lagos yesterday (October 3) and returned. He showed him (Tinubu) the preliminary report and the press release before he authorized it,” the source said.

Reveal identities of detained officers, military urged

Since the news broke at the weekend, some Nigerians have taken to the social media, asking the military to reveal the identities of the detained officers.

The netizens also challenged the military authorities to tell the country the exact offence the 16 officers being held committed.


One of them, Adelabi Gbenga, wrote on his Facebook post: “Dear military, kindly avail Nigerians specific offences these people committed before you kpai them. There is no smoke without fire”.

“Breach of service regulations? Tell us the exact breach. Don’t put us in darkness. After all, na our taxes they are using to pay you guys,” Edidiong Jackson wrote on X.

“The military people, ehn… That is why I no wan join them. Somebody committed an offence, to tell us the exact type of offence, na wahala… Tell us their offence and who dem be,” Zakaria Olambeloye stated on Facebook.

Source : https://dailytrust.com/alleged-coup-plot-ex-governor-under-watch

1.This is getting more and more interesting. Now Daily Trust, which is a respectable newspaper, is reporting there was or may have been, or allegedly, a coup in the works.

2.Former Southern governor....involved. Looks like 1982 is back...

3.And then, DT says officers haven't been named, when allegedly, the names are out there

4.Still, I won't wish a coup on nigeria...if we want change, either we get a united opposition effort to win in 2027, or a revoultion led from the ground up by the people, with a refusal to allow it to be hijacked by the elites or the army. Simple and short.

Somebody should please do our bidding for us....

Somebody please

The officers should be set free they just want to liberate a dieying country from crooked politicians

Interestingly Interesting

Three credible newspapers now reporting the same thing:
a coup did happen

It was caught on time.

I hope these ones know the consequences of a failed coup?? God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Hehehe.

This is one of those news to distract us from the reality on ground. People are hungry and inflation is bitting us harder,let the government fix the economy and stop all these propaganda.

Something as big as a coup was prevented since 1th of October and today is 20th and nothing has been done.

Even the army is denying it too,and please don't tell me it's all about investigation, because if it's so, most people involved would have flee the country by now.

Akuko nneamaka, let know the names

To every rumour, there's an iota of truth. They should let the cat out already.

There's barely anything anyone can do...

Buhari experienced the same coup threats and nothing happened.... Tinubu will overcome it.

nairalanda1:
1.This is getting more and more interesting. Now Daily Trust, which is a respectable newspaper, is reporting there was or may have been, or allegedly, a coup in the works.

2.Former Southern governor....involved. Looks like 1982 is back...

3.And then, DT says officers haven't been named, when allegedly, the names are out there

4.Still, I won't wish a coup on nigeria...if we want change, either we get a united opposition effort to win in 2027, or a revoultion led from the ground up by the people, with a refusal to allow it to be hijacked by the elites or the army. Simple and short.

Still chasing rats while the house is on fire? When someone jumps into burning fire, the person will get burned. It doesn’t matter if you wish injuries on the person or not. What people like us are telling you is that the person choosing to jump into fire will get burned.

It is well.....
I know it is not easy to endure the present pain

There are several non state actors in this country. There are several Commanders in chief in this country. Everyone issues command to his officers. Boko Haram chief, Bandits chief, now coup chief.

When there are different commanders in chief there will definitely be clash of interest as we are witnessing now.

But untill the real commander in chief assert itself by putting an end to other several commanders in chief, he may become the sacrificial lamb.

You can't hide from the rain by covering your head with your palms. You will eventually be drenched. Enough said.

God almighty will do it for us sooner or later.

They’re not naming names 🫤

So Omoyele Sowore called for #FreeNnamdiKanu protest for October 20th.

October 20th marked the #EndSARS anniversary.

Suddenly, there are claims of religious genocide after one of the former presidential candidates visited a foreign country.

During the #EndHunger protests, Russian flags were flown as some called for regime change and installation of a loser of the 2023 elections. Those flags disappeared after the service chiefs issued threats to anyone flying flags and calling for regime change.

IBB fast-tracked the relocation of the capital from Lagos to Abuja after the Orkar coup. Tinubu cancelled independence day parade and was in Lagos during independence.

Since Tinubu won presidency, he has been under threat from certain quarters. I think the man should be allowed to govern. There was no coup threat during Buhari's tenure. Someone went to Chicago to ensure he wasn't sworn in by fabricating tales of non-attendance of a university in Chicago. Many who cannot manage their political parties have accused him of one-party dictatorship. There seems like a huge network of disgruntled politicians willing to fund unrest for change.

They forget one thing.

Abiola assumed Abacha would take over government and hand over to him. Any politician who thinks he'd fund a military coup and benefit from it exhibits the reason he failed as a politician: lack of political intelligence.

We should also decide the type of government we want and stick with it. Anyone planning an illegal change of government should face trial and receive the ultimate price for treason. Politicians and political soldiers must not ruin this country because they lost elections.

Sometimes, calculated unrest are formented by some to justify regime change. We must resist illegal attempt on government. Anyone who cannot contest fairly and squarely should not be involved in politics.

We reject the dark days of the military where freedom was never guaranteed.

PS: The former governor in the south linked to oil and gas, could it be a former governor who also served as state petroleum minister?

How is it our business if they remove him, was he and his goons not the only ones enjoying the office and whatever it can provide, there is this adage chop alone die alone, there was nothing for the masses in this government except hardship and frustration, we are less concerned about whatever happened to the useless, insensitive, greedy ,wicked regime

Everything about this govt is just lies and propaganda.

givedemwotowoto:
Still chasing rats while the house is on fire? When someone jumps into burning fire, the person will get burned. It doesn’t matter if you wish injuries on the person or not. What people like us are telling you is that the person choosing to jump into fire will get burned.

So, you want to jump into the fire of army rule then?

Don't do politics of bitterness. Remember, if tinubu supporters had been successful in their coup aspirations in 2014, their man won't have been president, and we would have had another Abacha in charge.

Guess you prefer being run by maximum autocrats.

As for me, despite the fact that I regard both APC and PDP as the same and am angry with the way our democracy is being run, just as I did in 2014, I do today. No to coup. Let everyone mock me.

P.S Oga, it is also strange that the army you blast for being ineffective against boko and for dealing with innocent people are the same people you trust to run a good government. LOL.

Join a party and work for change from within. A coup will just make matters worse, and may backfire on you and most nigerians.

This is a sign that even elites don't like BAT system of governance
Plus subsidy removal and new tax reform acts

Make i hear say na 1 specific tribe try dis coup their names nd reason for don full internet by now.... Which way Nigeria..

Akuko mama Ngozi na ndi yard.if igbo man was the leader by now his name will be ringing bell.Nigeria with double standards.

Is the ex governor Timipre sylva?

Nna2025:
Somebody should please do our bidding for us....

Somebody please

Why not do it yourself? Like the gen Z in nepal?

Form a opposition group, and march and protest for change. Or join a party and work for change.

Don't wish for army rule. We tried in in 1966..and ended up with four years of bad vicious violence. We tried again in 1983, and got bad buhari, even worse IBB and the horror that was Abacha.

NO, I do not support or vote for tinubu.

Nna2025:
Somebody should please do our bidding for us....

Somebody please

Be careful. These discussions are very sensitive.

galantjoe:
This is a sign that even elites don't like BAT system of governance
Plus subsidy removal and new tax reform acts

1. By August 2022, debt was eating 90% of our revenue....and a large part of that was subsidy. Plus, the PIA signed in 2021, promised that subsidy would be gone by June 2023 at the latest. Guess you guys were not paying attention

Keep subsidy, and our debt would be high.

2.As for tax...our budget was planned based on the fact that oil would remain at least at 75 dollars per barrel...and even at that GOVT had to borrow 13 trillion naira. OIl has been below 70 dollars since last week of January. Also, oil has been consistently below our fiscal breakeven price, and we are relying on 1.8million bpd...which is enough for a nation of 2 million at best...not 230 million.

And IMF is basically hinting they won't borrow us more money unless...

So, taxes. Yes, tinubu government is bad, but if atiku or obi won, based on the above facts, would you let them borrow more money, or raise money from taxation?

This is not about politics, it is about realism, and the fact that we have been pretending we are as rich as Saudi when we ain't for decades. Years of pretence have caught up with us.

Nna2025:
Somebody should please do our bidding for us....

Somebody please

You think even if there is a coup it is to do your bidding lol?

The army also want to have direct access to the honeypot call Nigeria Treasury it is not because they want to do your stupid bidding

If a coup ever happened in Nigeria let me tell you the first thing the military head of state will do is to shut down the Internet in Nigeria, they won't want riffraffs commenting rubbish on the Internet.

It is wise to keep observing how this plays out in the long run.

nairalanda1:
1.This is getting more and more interesting. Now Daily Trust, which is a respectable newspaper, is reporting there was or may have been, or allegedly, a coup in the works.

2.Former Southern governor....involved. Looks like 1982 is back...

3.And then, DT says officers haven't been named, when allegedly, the names are out there

4.Still, I won't wish a coup on nigeria...if we want change, either we get a united opposition effort to win in 2027, or a revoultion led from the ground up by the people, with a refusal to allow it to be hijacked by the elites or the army. Simple and short.

I hope you are in Nigeria while wishing us a military leadership. Aaaah some nigerians eh

PureFace1:
You think even if there is a coup it is to do your bidding lol?

The army also want to have direct access to the honeypot call Nigeria Treasury it is not because they want to do your stupid bidding

If a coup ever happened in Nigeria let me tell you the first thing the military head of state will do is to shut down the Internet in Nigeria, they won't want riffraffs commenting rubbish on the Internet.

I just wonder what these people think will happen! Military ke! God no go gree