Defence Minister: Innocent Coup Plot Suspects to be Released

Defence Minister Christopher Musa announced that some suspects arrested in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu will be released if investigations reveal they have no case to answer. Musa made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that innocent individuals are not wrongfully implicated.

He noted that the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency are conducting thorough investigations, with some suspects already taken to court. Musa described the coup plot as real, involving a network of military officers allegedly coordinated by an Army colonel, and indicated that the plotters were misguided individuals.

The alleged coup plot dates back to October 2025, when 16 senior military officers were arrested for acts of indiscipline, later linked to an attempt to overthrow the Tinubu administration. The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against six individuals, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana and others.