Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has stated that the military officers arrested for allegedly plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu's administration had no legitimate reason for their actions. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Musa revealed that he was among those who identified the coup plot and served on the committee that investigated it.
Minister Dismisses Involvement Claims
Musa dismissed allegations that he was connected to the plot, which led to his removal as Chief of Army Staff by the President. He noted that shortly after his removal as COAS, he was appointed Minister of Defence, demonstrating the President's confidence in him. According to him, he and others are currently working to convince the indicted officers that a coup is not the way forward and that democracy is far superior to any military rule.
Details on the Accused Officers
He said, “I looked at the individuals involved in this coup and shook my head. They are a bunch of confused junior officers who didn’t know their left from right. The investigation was very thorough, but the facts on the ground are clear. These officers had no reason to do what they did. The country was going very well, the armed forces are being taken care of, and efforts are even being made to increase salaries and allowances. It was just foolhardy for what they were trying to achieve.”
Court Proceedings Reveal Plot Details
The Guardian reports that proceedings at a Federal High Court have continued to shed light on the ongoing trial of alleged participants in the attempted coup plot. A Department of State Services (DSS) witness presented details of what investigators described as a coordinated plan involving senior military personnel. Testifying before the court, the witness alleged that one of the accused officers, identified as Colonel Mohammed Maaji, played a central role in discussions and operational planning that reportedly included attempts to force access into the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to the testimony, intelligence gathered by security agencies suggested that the group allegedly sought to mobilise personnel and resources in furtherance of actions considered subversive to the Nigerian state.
