Alleged coup plot: Former Nigerian governor under probe
A former governor from the southern part of Nigeria is reportedly under investigation for his suspected involvement in the alleged coup plot that led to the arrest of several army officers.
The detained officers were accused of planning to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to Daily Trust, security sources disclosed that the former governor is being closely monitored after reports emerged that he might have financed the planned coup, which was allegedly scheduled to take place on October 25.
Sixteen military officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, are currently in custody for their alleged roles in the scheme.
Some of them were said to be attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Investigations are being handled by the Defence Intelligence Agency, with participation from officers representing the three branches of the Armed Forces.
The probe panel is reportedly led by a Major-General, and the full list of those being investigated is being kept confidential.
It was gathered that the former governor under watch had previously worked in the oil and gas sector before venturing into politics, Daily Trust reports.
Investigators are now reviewing his recent interactions with the detained officers to determine his level of involvement.
If strong evidence links him to the suspects, he may be summoned for interrogation.
Reports also revealed that the Brigadier-General in custody hails from Niger State, while the Colonel being investigated is from Nasarawa State and belongs to a prominent family.
The family, including relatives of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, is said to be deeply distressed by the situation.
In another development, Premium Times on Saturday reported that the alleged coup plot included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Sources familiar with the development told Premium Times that the officers scheduled October 25 as the date to carry out the operation.
They allegedly intended to execute the plan on a day when all targeted officials would be within the country.
The plan reportedly involved a coordinated strike where the leaders would be attacked at the same time, while top military officers such as service chiefs would be arrested instead of killed.
Investigations from Premium Times show that the suspected coup plotters had informants within the Presidential Villa and close to the movements of the targeted officials.
These insiders allegedly monitored their schedules and provided intelligence to aid the planned operation.
The plot created panic within the government and security agencies, leading to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1.
Though arrests were made before the date, the presidency reportedly decided against holding the military parade to avoid potential security risks.
Around 20 officers have been arrested and detained over the alleged coup attempt.
More findings from Sahara Reporters revealed that most of the detained officers are from northern Nigeria and are currently being held at the DIA facility without access to their families.
According to Sahara Reporters, among them is Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura, who recently returned from a special combat course in China before being posted to the NSA office.
The officer is reportedly known for his strict and fearless approach during his time in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Sahara Reporters, his brother, also a Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the 343 Artillery Regiment in Elele, was briefly detained but later released after investigations cleared him of involvement.
Both men are nephews of Tanko Al-Makura, who now chairs the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
