Over 30 Suspects, Including Senior Officers, to Face Trial Over Alleged Coup Plot in Nigeria

More than 30 people, including senior military officers, are expected to face trial over an alleged coup plot uncovered in September, according to ongoing investigations. Sources familiar with the matter told said that the suspects will be tried in both military court martials and civil courts.

Investigators allege that the group had planned a violent takeover of government, with key officials marked for assassination. A special investigative panel set up to probe the plot has now completed a preliminary report that will be submitted to President Bola Tinubu. The report indicates that over 30 suspects will stand trial, while about seven others remain at large. Those found not to have a case will reportedly be released.

“The seven people could not be found in their homes, and their telephone numbers have been dead since this matter started,” one source said. “So they are still on a manhunt.”

It remains unclear whether former Bayelsa governor and petroleum minister Timipre Sylva is among those being sought. Mr Sylva confirmed that his home was raided by soldiers but denied any involvement in the alleged coup. His spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, said considerable damage was done during the operation and that Mr Sylva, who was outside the country at the time, has yet to receive an explanation from authorities.

Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence and head of the Special Investigative Panel, is expected to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs to determine next steps. “The president will also be briefed,” a source confirmed. Military officers implicated in the case will first face court martial before any possible civil trial, while civilians will be tried in civil courts.

SK Blog had earlier published 16 top military officers allegedly involved in the failed attempt—14 from the Army, and two from the Navy and Air Force—arrested after intelligence reports linked them to secret meetings about a government overthrow. The identities of newly arrested suspects remain undisclosed.

Although the Defence Headquarters has so far issued only vague statements on the matter, military authorities are expected to make a formal announcement soon. “In the days to come, the Defence Headquarters is likely to issue a statement telling Nigerians about the findings from the investigation so far,” a source said.

The alleged coup plot reportedly targeted President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Following the arrests, President Tinubu carried out a sweeping military reshuffle, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, with General Olufemi Oluyede. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu became the new Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke was appointed Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas took over as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Undiendeye retained his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The presidency has not officially linked the changes to the coup investigation. Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tukur Gusau did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.