Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, has assured that the government will continue to support the families of military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT World, Musa addressed concerns over the welfare of the detained officers’ dependents.
“They must have considered their families when they took this action,” the minister said on Thursday. “Nevertheless, the government is ensuring that their wives and children are properly cared for and not left alone.”
Musa added that the accused officers are aware of the consequences of their actions and are prepared to face the penalties.
The comments come as relatives of the detained personnel have intensified appeals to the presidency for leniency. According to Daily Trust, family members of 16 military officers are petitioning top government officials to urge President Tinubu to “temper justice with mercy.”
A relative of one of the officers told the newspaper, “We know the offence is serious under military and national law, but these are our loved ones and primary breadwinners. We appeal to President Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief, to show mercy. We are not against punishment, but we hope their lives are spared.”
Musa also confirmed that the accused will have access to legal representation of their choice and will receive fair trials.
Investigations into the alleged coup plot have reportedly been concluded, with 40 suspects identified. These include senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians accused of supporting reconnaissance, funding, and propaganda activities.
Sources revealed that 13 individuals were apprehended by the State Security Service (SSS), including two military personnel (one retired), a police officer, and 10 civilians. Sixteen officers were arrested for direct involvement, while others were detained for roles in reconnaissance, civil unrest recruitment, and funding. One soldier briefly escaped custody but was later re-arrested in Bauchi.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the investigation findings were forwarded to the appropriate authorities and described the alleged actions as “inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of Nigerian Armed Forces members.”
Reports indicate that the initial plot aimed to disrupt the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu on 29 May 2023. However, the plan was postponed due to funding and logistical challenges. Investigations suggest the plot resurfaced in 2025 after alleged transfers totaling nearly N1 billion by former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva to accounts linked to the conspirators.
Sylva and a retired officer identified as Major General Adamu, both accused of financing the plot, remain at large. Sylva has denied involvement despite a reported raid on his residence. Intelligence sources also indicate that one fleeing suspect may be in South America, though the exact location has not been disclosed.
Authorities are coordinating surveillance and cross-border intelligence efforts to dismantle the remaining cells. Presidential approval is being awaited to formally constitute a court-martial panel to try the soldiers involved.
Additional arrests are expected, with at least 25 military officers anticipated to face trial. Civilians connected to funding, logistics, and coordination are being investigated by the SSS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
