Daniel Otera
Nigeria’s government has concluded its investigation into an alleged coup attempt and will prosecute at least 30 suspects, whilst seven others remain on the run, according to security sources.
Premium Times, citing unnamed sources close to the investigation, reported that the suspects include several senior military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government and assassinate key officials.
The suspects will face trial in both military and civil courts, depending on whether they are serving officers or civilians, the newspaper said.
According to the platform, a preliminary report from the Special Investigative Panel has been prepared for President Bola Tinubu. The document lists over 30 individuals for prosecution and identifies seven others who have evaded arrest.
“The seven people could not be found in their homes, and their telephone numbers have been dead since this matter started,” one source told the newspaper, adding that security agencies are actively searching for them.
The panel’s chairman, Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, who also serves as Chief of Defence Intelligence, is expected to brief the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs on the investigation’s findings.
“The president will also be briefed,” another source confirmed.
Military personnel amongst the accused will face court martial proceedings, whilst civilians implicated in the alleged plot will be tried through the regular court system.
The online platform had previously published the names of 16 senior military officers arrested in late September following intelligence reports that they were holding clandestine meetings to topple the government. Fourteen of those detained are from the Army, with two from the Navy and Air Force. The identities of additional suspects have not been made public.
Former Bayelsa State governor and ex-petroleum minister, Timipre Sylva, whose residence was recently raided by soldiers, has denied any connection to the alleged conspiracy.
His spokesman, Julius Bokoru, said: “During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property. Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid.”
Mr Bokoru added that Mr Sylva was outside the country when the raid occurred and has not yet returned to Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier characterised its investigation as “a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism,” without explicitly confirming or denying the coup allegations. However, sources indicate that military authorities are preparing to release an official statement on their findings.
Security reports suggest the alleged plotters had planned to target President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Several weeks after the arrests, President Tinubu announced significant changes in the military’s top leadership, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff and several service chiefs. The presidency has not publicly connected the reshuffle to the coup investigation.