Over 30 suspects to face trial over alleged coup plot

More than 30 individuals, including senior military officers, are set to face trial over an alleged coup plot uncovered in September, sources familiar with the investigation have revealed.

The suspects, accused of planning a violent takeover and the assassination of top government officials, will be tried in both military and civil courts, depending on their status, according to security sources.

A special investigative panel, headed by Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), has reportedly completed a preliminary report that will soon be submitted to President Bola Tinubu.

The panel’s findings indicate that over 30 people will be prosecuted, while about seven others remain at large.

“The seven people could not be located in their homes, and their telephone lines have been inactive since the case began,” one source disclosed.

“Security agencies are still on their trail.”

It remains unclear whether former Bayelsa State governor and ex-petroleum minister, Timipre Sylva, is among those being sought.

Sylva recently confirmed that his home was raided by soldiers but denied any involvement in a coup plot.

“During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property,” his spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, said.

“Despite sustained efforts, we have been unable to ascertain the reason or authorisation for the raid.

“To the best of our knowledge, no clear explanation has been provided.”

Mr Bokoru added that Mr Sylva was outside the country during the incident and did not indicate when he would return.

General Undiendeye is expected to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs in the coming days to discuss next steps before briefing President Tinubu.

Military officers among the suspects will face court-martials first, while civilians will be tried in civil courts, according to sources.

Earlier reports identified 16 senior military officers allegedly linked to the failed coup attempt.

Fourteen of them are from the Nigerian Army, while two others belong to the Navy and Air Force.

They were arrested in late September after intelligence reports indicated they were holding secret meetings to overthrow the government.

The identities of the newly detained suspects have not yet been made public.

Although the Defence Headquarters initially issued a vague statement about the alleged plot, insiders say the military may soon release a detailed report of its findings.

“In the coming days, the Defence Headquarters is expected to issue a statement on the progress of the investigation,” one source confirmed.

Security sources earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that the alleged conspirators had planned to assassinate President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, among others.

Following the foiled plot and the arrests, President Tinubu carried out a sweeping shake-up of the military command.

He removed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and replaced him with General Olufemi Oluyede, the then Chief of Army Staff. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was named Chief of Naval Staff.

Major General Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The presidency, however, did not link the military reshuffle to the alleged coup plot.

Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tukur Gusau could not be reached for comment as of press time. Calls and messages to his mobile phone were unanswered.