The Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, has confirmed that suspects arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government are now facing court proceedings. Musa, a retired army general, revealed this on Channels Television's Politics Today, stating that the coup plot, uncovered in late 2025, was genuine and the suspects truly intended to seize power.
According to the minister, the primary motivation for the supposed coup plotters was financial gain rather than any ideological or political agenda. "When you hear why they wanted to do it, you realise that they’re just a bunch of misguided individuals who went into it for money alone," Musa stated.
The suspects were initially held by security agencies for investigation but have since been transferred to the courts. "It remains with the courts. It is not with us; it is still with the courts," Musa clarified, emphasizing that the matter is no longer under military jurisdiction.
The alleged plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to the arrest of several military officers and other individuals. PREMIUM TIMES had previously reported that the investigation expanded to include serving and retired military personnel, as well as civilians connected to the plot. The government had earlier acknowledged the plot and promised prosecution for those indicted.
Further details revealed that the alleged plotters had identified senior political and military officials as targets. Minister Musa himself was reportedly among those targeted, with intelligence suggesting he was to be arrested and potentially shot if he resisted. This information emerged in February of this year.
Reports indicate that six suspects, including retired military officers and a police officer, have been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Additionally, 36 serving military personnel are facing separate proceedings before a General Court Martial.
Musa suggested that the plotters might have been influenced by the history of Nigeria's military regimes, where those who seized power often went on to become governors and ministers. "They felt, man, it’s been a long time. Maybe it’s time for us to be able to benefit from that. Otherwise, there’s really no concrete reason," he explained.
The investigation also looked into individuals who allegedly provided assistance around the Presidential Villa. "We’re hearing more details about those hit men, or the men who were on guard at the presidential villa, near the villa clinic. Those who were involved, those who helped, and how they received aid and all that," the minister said.
Previous reports based on investigation documents had indicated plans involving the Presidential Villa, military formations, and other strategic locations as part of the intended takeover. Some suspects reportedly had specific assignments within the Villa and near the residences of senior military officers.
In a separate but related discussion, Minister Musa linked the recent surge in attacks across the country to the approaching 2027 general elections. He pointed to a consistent pattern where security incidents tend to decrease after elections and rise again as campaigns for the next election begin.
"If you go through the record, it has been consistent. This year, it’s not anything different," Musa stated, explaining that security agencies are actively working to reduce the intensity of these attacks. He assured that while complete eradication might not happen overnight, security forces are making significant progress.