Seven suspects missing as Nigeria tries over 30 military officers, civilians for alleged coup plot
Fresh developments have emerged in Nigeria’s ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot, months after several military officers were arrested over plans to forcibly seize power.
According to Premium Times sources, more than 30 suspects—comprising both serving military officers and civilians—are now set to face trial, while seven others remain unaccounted for.
Investigators reportedly uncovered evidence that the accused held secret meetings and compiled a list of top government officials marked for assassination, including President Bola Tinubu and other key national figures.
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A preliminary report on the investigation has been completed and is expected to be presented to President Tinubu in the coming days. Individuals cleared of involvement will be released, while others will be prosecuted.
One security source confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down seven missing suspects, saying:
“Seven of them are still missing. Their homes are deserted, their phones switched off, and no one has been able to trace them. The manhunt continues.”
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Uncertainty remains over whether former Bayelsa State governor and ex-minister of petroleum, Timipre Sylva, is among those missing. Soldiers recently raided his Abuja residence, causing significant damage, but Sylva has denied any connection to the alleged plot.
His spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, said the former minister was abroad during the raid and unaware of any investigation involving him.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye—who chairs the investigative panel—is expected to brief the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs to determine the next course of action.
READ ALSO: DHQ debunks coup rumour, pledges loyalty to Tinubu
Military personnel implicated in the plot will reportedly face court-martial proceedings, while civilians will be prosecuted in civil courts.
Earlier reports listed 16 senior officers initially detained—14 from the Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force—though the identities of newly arrested suspects remain undisclosed.
The Defence Headquarters, which had previously issued a cautious statement about the case, is expected to release an official update soon.
The alleged coup attempt also led to a surprise reshuffle in Nigeria’s military hierarchy weeks later, with President Tinubu replacing several service chiefs—a move that, while not officially linked to the investigation, has fueled further speculation.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to comment on the latest developments.
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