More than 30 individuals, including senior military officers, are set to face trial for their alleged roles in a foiled coup plot aimed at violently overthrowing the Nigerian government, an exclusive report by PREMIUM TIMES revealed.
The suspects are expected to be tried in both civil courts and military court-martials for the alleged September plot, which purportedly involved the assassination of President Bola Tinubu, including other
high-ranking officials.
The development follows a special investigative panel’s preliminary report, which will soon be submitted to President Tinubu. Security sources indicate that while over 30 suspects are slated for trial, approximately seven others remain at large and are the subject of an active manhunt.
“The seven people could not be found in their homes, and their telephone numbers have been dead since this matter started,” a source familiar with the investigation stated.
Among those connected to the investigation is Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Petroleum Minister. While his residence was raided by soldiers, his status remains unclear. A spokesperson for Mr. Sylva confirmed the raid, which caused “considerable damage,” but denied any involvement in a coup plot by the former minister.
“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid,” said Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s spokesperson. He confirmed that Sylva was out of the country during the raid and did not disclose a return date.
The Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who is also the Chief of Defence Intelligence, is expected to brief the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs in the coming days to determine the next steps.
“The president will also be briefed,” another source confirmed.
According to the plan, military officers among the suspects will first face court-martials before proceeding to the regular court, while any civilians revealed to be involved in the foiled coup will be tried directly in the later court.
Recall that 16 top military officers arrested in late September after intelligence have been reported to be holding secret meetings to plan a government takeover. The group included 14 Army officers, with one each from the Navy and Air Force. The identities of the newly arrested suspects have not been disclosed.
Several reports also indicated that the alleged plotters had targeted Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas for assassination.
While the Defence Headquarters previously described its probe as a “routine internal process,” sources now say military authorities are prepared to make a categorical public statement on the investigation’s findings soon.
The alleged coup plot preceded a major, unexpected shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy by President Tinubu, though the presidency did not link the personnel changes to the investigation.
Attempts to reach defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tukur Gusau for comment were unsuccessful, PREMIUM TIMES report added.