Alleged Coup Plot: Ex-Governor Reportedly Under Watch
A former governor from one of the southern states is reported to be under investigation for his alleged connection to the army officers detained over an alleged coup plot.
Sources told Daily Trust yesterday, that there was suspicion that the former governor financed the alleged plot, which was reported to have been scheduled for October 25.
It would be recalled that Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, had, at the weekend, reported that the 16 officers who the Defence Headquarters said were arrested for certain unprofessional conduct, were being investigated over an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
But the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, described the reports as false and misleading.
Some of the detainees, including a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, and others below that rank, were reported to be officers attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
A source reportedly told Daily Trust that the report of the planned coup attempt was true.
“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 involved and in custody,” he stated.
The source added that the “former civilian governor being investigated over the matter is also a former operative in the oil and gas sector, but his involvement has not been confirmed.”
One of the sources said the investigators were trying to establish the nature of the former governor’s recent interactions with the detained officers.
He said the former governor might be invited for interrogation should credible links between him and the detained officers be established.
It has been reported that the investigation is being coordinated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with representation from the three services 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,” he said.
Daily Trust sources also stated that the Brigadier-General being referred to is from Niger State.
“The Colonel from Nasarawa State that is being investigated is also from a very influential family. His father is a traditional ruler in Nasarawa State and a brother of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura,” the source added.
Findings in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, revealed that members of the Al-Makura family are worried.
“He is my uncle,” a family member told Daily Trust last night.
“The entire family is in distress. I am personally worried…The wife of the officer is worried.
“Our prayer is may they not be found guilty of the allegation,” the family member said.
Daily Trust further gathered that more officers have been picked for questioning over their remote or direct connection with the alleged coup plan.
“Aside from the former governor, there are other influential politicians from both north and southern parts of the country that are being watched,” said another source.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
