Defence Minister: Coup Plotters Wanted Money, Not Political Change

Defence Minister Christopher Musa has said the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government was motivated largely by financial interests, rather than a coherent political or ideological programme.

Musa made the statement during an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, while discussing the latest status of investigations into the alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025.

The minister also confirmed that suspects linked to the alleged plan have been taken to court and are now facing trial.

Musa said the investigation established that the alleged plot was genuine.

According to him, the suspects genuinely intended to seize power.

“The coup was genuine, and they truly intended to carry it out,” he said.

But while confirming the alleged intention to overthrow the government, Musa questioned the reasons behind the plan.

He said the alleged plotters were mainly driven by financial considerations.

The minister also suggested that some of them may have been influenced by Nigeria’s history of military rule.

He explained that previous military takeovers had sometimes resulted in officers who seized power eventually becoming governors, ministers and other political office holders.

According to Musa, some of the people allegedly involved may have looked at that history and believed they could obtain similar opportunities.

He said there was no concrete reason to justify the alleged plan.

The investigation into the alleged conspiracy began in 2025 after military officers were arrested.

The case later expanded as security agencies investigated other military officers, civilians and people allegedly connected to the proposed takeover.

Eventually, the government confirmed that an alleged plan to overthrow the Tinubu administration had been uncovered.

Legal proceedings followed.

Six suspects were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja, while 36 serving military personnel were subjected to separate proceedings before a General Court Martial.

The Federal High Court defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva was also listed in the charge and was reported to be at large.

The Federal Government filed 13 charges against the defendants.

The allegations include treason, terrorism, terrorism financing and other offences.

The six defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment.

Their trial is continuing.

The government allegations must still be proved before the court.

The investigation records examined by Premium Times have provided a broader account of the alleged conspiracy.

According to those reports, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji was identified as the alleged principal coordinator.

Ma’aji reportedly told investigators that his frustrations included unsuccessful attempts to secure promotion, insecurity, corruption and concerns over the welfare of military personnel.

The investigation records also indicated that he and others discussed government policies and proposed changes they believed a future administration should make.

Among the issues mentioned were the removal of the petrol subsidy, military salaries and welfare and recognition for fallen military personnel.

The alleged conspirators were also reported to have considered practical steps for taking control of the government.

These reportedly included securing the Presidential Villa, military formations, airports and communication facilities.

Individuals were allegedly assigned responsibilities for different aspects of the operation.

The alleged conspirators also considered obtaining troops, vehicles, weapons and other logistical support.

Money was another part of the investigation.

Premium Times reported that investigators examined financial records allegedly linked to the proposed operation.

The records reportedly contained details of money allegedly pooled and distributed to individuals associated with the plan.

The investigation also considered alleged efforts to recruit or obtain assistance from civilians and religious figures.

Some people allegedly connected to the case reportedly questioned the feasibility of the proposed takeover.

The alleged operation never reached the stage of overthrowing the government.

Premium Times reported that the investigation records did not establish that an actual coup took place.

Instead, the documents described an alleged conspiracy which authorities said was disrupted before execution.

Musa’s statement therefore comes at a point when the case has already moved beyond investigation.

He said the suspects were initially detained while security agencies worked on the allegations but were subsequently taken to court.

The minister stressed that the matter now belonged to the judiciary.

“I believe they have been investigated. They have taken them to court, so it remains with the courts,” he said.

That means the allegations will now be tested through the formal legal process.

The prosecution will have to present evidence to support its case, while the defendants will have opportunities to challenge the allegations and present their own defence.

The government’s position remains that the alleged coup plan was genuine and that those behind it intended to carry it out.

Musa’s latest assessment is that money was a major motivation.

The courts, however, will ultimately determine the legal responsibility of the individual defendants based on the evidence presented during the proceedings.