Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said that military officers currently in custody over an alleged coup attempt understood the gravity of their actions and were conscious of the consequences before proceeding.
The minister made this known during an interview with international news channel TRT World, where he addressed the arrests and outlined steps being taken to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the legal process.
Musa disclosed that the federal government remains committed to upholding due process, stressing that the accused officers would be treated in accordance with the rule of law, regardless of the seriousness of the allegations against them.
He confirmed that 16 military officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were arrested in October 2025. At the time, the Defence Headquarters stated that the detentions were linked to acts of indiscipline and breaches of military regulations.
However, the military later clarified the situation, officially announcing on January 26 that the officers were connected to a foiled plan aimed at removing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office.
According to military authorities, the alleged plot was uncovered in late September 2025 following coordinated intelligence operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Investigations reportedly revealed that the plan included intentions to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior government officials, as well as illegally detain top military commanders.
Musa assured that all the detained officers would be allowed to choose their legal representatives and would receive a fair hearing throughout the judicial process.
He noted that individuals involved in such actions must have weighed the implications carefully, including the potential effects on their families, before making their decisions.
Despite the severity of the allegations, the defence minister emphasized that justice would be administered without bias or shortcuts.
He also revealed that arrangements are being made to support the families of the detained officers, stressing that their spouses and children would not be abandoned while the legal proceedings continue.
Musa concluded by reiterating that the suspects appeared fully aware of the possible outcomes of their actions and seemed prepared to accept whatever consequences may follow.
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