More than 30 Nigerian soldiers, including senior officers, are set to face trial over an alleged coup plot foiled in September. A preliminary report has been submitted to President Tinubu, sources reveal
Over 30 Soldiers to Face Trial Over Alleged Coup Attempt: Report
Investigations into the alleged coup attempt by some Nigerian soldiers arrested in September have progressed, with more than 30 suspects now expected to face trial, a report by PREMIUM TIMES revealed.
Sources familiar with the probe said the suspects — including several senior military officers — will be tried in both civil courts and military court martials.
According to the findings, the officers allegedly planned a violent takeover that included the assassination of key government officials.
A special investigative panel, earlier set up to examine the failed attempt, has reportedly completed its preliminary report and will submit it to President Bola Tinubu, one source confirmed.
“More than 30 suspects may face trial, while about seven others remain at large,” the source disclosed. “The seven people could not be found in their homes, and their telephone numbers have been dead since this matter started. So they are still on a manhunt.”
It remains unclear whether Timipre Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and petroleum minister, is among those at large. Sylva had earlier 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. Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid,” said Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s spokesperson, adding that the former minister was abroad during the raid.
The Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel, Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, who also serves as the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), is expected to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs to decide on next steps.
“The president will also be briefed,” another source said.
Military officers among the suspects will reportedly face court martials before potential civil proceedings, while civilians implicated in the alleged plot will be tried in civil courts.
Recently, PREMIUM TIMES identified 16 top military officers allegedly involved in the failed coup. Fourteen of them are from the Nigerian Army, while two others serve in the Navy and Air Force. The identities of newly arrested suspects remain undisclosed.
Though the Defence Headquarters initially issued an ambiguous statement on the alleged coup, military authorities are reportedly preparing to make a definitive public statement 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 added.
Security sources previously told the newspaper that the alleged plotters planned to assassinate President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, among others.
Weeks after the plot was reportedly foiled, President Tinubu carried out a major military reshuffle, replacing key service chiefs, though the presidency did not link the changes to the coup allegations.
Efforts to reach Defence spokesperson Lt. Col. Tukur Gusau for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone went unanswered.
As of press time, no official government statement or court filing has publicly confirmed the alleged coup plot or the number of officers facing trial. The story originated from PREMIUM TIMES’ investigative reporting and has not been independently verified by the Defence Headquarters or the Presidency. NewsHeadline247 continues to monitor online discourse and official channels for confirmation or rebuttal of the reported findings. Read More
