Nigeria’s military has confirmed a foiled coup attempt against President Tinubu, detailing allegations that Brigadier General Musa Sadiq failed to report prior knowledge of the plot, leading to plans for court-martial proceedings.
Military authorities have confirmed an attempted coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with PREMIUM TIMES reporting that Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq was among 16 officers arrested and detained in October last year. The plot reportedly influenced the government’s decision to cancel the 1 October Independence Day parade.
Fourteen of the arrested officers are from the Nigerian Army, while two are from the Navy and Air Force. Initially, the military described the arrests as investigations into “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” but later confirmed the coup attempt and announced that indicted officers would face court-martial.
In a statement on 26 January, the Defence Headquarters said investigations found “a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” adding that their actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Sources familiar with the probe said the core allegation against General Sadiq is prior knowledge and failure to report the plot. Investigators argue this omission constitutes a serious breach of military conduct. He is yet to publicly respond, while authorities say due process will be followed.