REVEALED: How ex-Southern Governor allegedly bankrolled soldiers in failed coup plot – Sources

A former governor from one of Nigeria’s southern states is reportedly under investigation for his suspected connection to army officers recently detained over an alleged coup attempt.

According to a report by Daily Trust, investigators believe the ex-governor may have played a financial role in the purported plan, which was allegedly scheduled to take place on October 25.

Sources cited in the report claim that security agencies are probing the nature and extent of the former governor’s involvement, particularly whether he provided funds or logistical support to the officers implicated in the plot.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: DHQ breaks silence on alleged coup attempt, opens up on probe of 16 officers

The development follows reports by Sahara Reporters and Premium Times that 16 officers, arrested by the Defence Headquarters for “unprofessional conduct,” were being investigated for plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Among those detained are a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and several junior officers, some of whom are reportedly attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

One of the sources confirmed the authenticity of the alleged coup plot, saying, “Yes, that is true.

There are civilian accomplices, including a former governor, but the extent of their involvement is being investigated. For now, there are 16 officers in custody.”

The source also revealed that the former governor being probed previously worked in the oil and gas sector.

“His involvement has not been confirmed,” he added.

Investigators are said to be tracing the former governor’s recent communications with the detained officers and may summon him for questioning if substantial links are found.

The investigation is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) with senior representatives from the three branches of the Armed Forces.

“Members of the probe panel are very senior officers, headed by a major general. The comprehensive list of officers being investigated is highly guarded,” another source said.

Reports indicate that the Brigadier-General in custody hails from Niger State, while the Colonel is from Nasarawa State and belongs to a prominent family, his father is a traditional ruler and brother to former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

Members of the Al-Makura family in Lafia are said to be deeply concerned about the development.

“He is my uncle,” a family member told Daily Trust, expressing distress over the situation.

“The wife of the officer is worried. Our prayer is that they are not found guilty of the allegation.”

Additional sources disclosed that more officers have been invited for questioning over possible connections to the alleged coup, while several influential politicians from both northern and southern regions are reportedly being monitored.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied ever mentioning a coup attempt. In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to a coup plot as “false and misleading.”

The DHQ clarified that the parade was cancelled to allow President Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to maintain focus on ongoing security operations. It emphasized that the arrest of the 16 officers was a “routine internal process” to uphold discipline and professionalism.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

Earlier, on October 4, the DHQ had issued a statement confirming the arrest of 16 officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” citing grievances related to “career stagnation” and repeated failures in promotion examinations. The military said the disciplinary process was to preserve order and integrity within the ranks.

However, sources claimed that the initial statement was “carefully worded” after consultations involving the Attorney General, to avoid public panic or investor concern.

Following the reports, many Nigerians on social media have demanded transparency from the military, urging them to reveal the identities of the detained officers and the specific nature of their alleged offences.

One user, Adelabi Gbenga, wrote, “Dear military, kindly avail Nigerians specific offences these people committed before you kpai them. There is no smoke without fire.”

Another, Edidiong Jackson, posted, “Breach of service regulations? Tell us the exact breach. Don’t put us in darkness.”

As public pressure mounts, the outcome of the military’s investigation remains highly anticipated.

(DailyTrust)