Coup Scare: Confusion Over Whereabouts of Former South-South Governor

By Franklin Adole

Confusion reigned yesterday over the whereabouts of a former South-South governor allegedly linked to the ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot aimed at toppling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The development followed reports that security agencies have intensified efforts to question the former governor after his name reportedly surfaced during the interrogation of sixteen military officers arrested for their alleged roles in the plot.

According to multiple security sources, the former governor, who previously worked in the oil and gas sector before venturing into politics, is being sought for questioning over claims that he may have had prior contact with some of the detained officers. It is not yet clear whether he had any direct involvement in the alleged conspiracy, but investigators are said to be reviewing financial transactions as well as communication and other records linked to him.

When KTH Daily contacted one of his former aides, he confirmed that his ex-boss was due to return to Nigeria over the weekend but could no longer be reached. “He was supposed to be back by the weekend. I have tried but cannot reach him. It’s very unusual. His phones have been off. I’ll keep trying and will get back to you,” he said.

The alleged coup plot, which has caused concern within the nation’s security establishment, was reportedly scheduled for October 25, 2025. Preliminary findings from several media investigations, including Daily Trust, Premium Times, and Sahara Reporters, suggest that the detained officers allegedly planned to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, while detaining the top hierarchy of the armed forces to seize control of government.

Sixteen officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, are currently being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over the matter. Some of them were reportedly serving in the Office of the National Security Adviser at the time of their arrest. Reports indicate that a special panel led by a Major-General has been established to conduct the investigation, drawing representation from all three branches of the Armed Forces. Sources say the full list of those in custody remains confidential due to the sensitivity of the case.

Reports have suggested that the plotters planned a coordinated strike in which government leaders would be attacked simultaneously. Investigators are also said to be probing the alleged involvement of informants within the Presidential Villa and other government circles who may have monitored the movements of key officials to aid the plan.

Security analysts note that the incident may have influenced the federal government’s decision to quietly cancel the traditional Independence Day parade on October 1, amid growing intelligence concerns.

The Defence Headquarters, however, has denied claims that there was any credible threat of a coup. In a statement last week, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, described the reports as exaggerated and speculative, insisting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain “loyal to constitutional authority and the democratic order.” He cautioned against what he called “deliberate attempts to create panic and undermine confidence in the military.”

Senior former intelligence officers who spoke exclusively to KTH Daily over the weekend also toed the DHQ position, and questioned how the detained officers, mainly posted behind desks at the office of the National Security Adviser, hoped to muster the troops, weapons, and logistics required for such a large-scale operation.

Despite the official denials, however, intelligence sources maintain that investigations are continuing behind the scenes. The probe has reportedly widened to include civilian figures, among them the former South-South governor whose whereabouts are currently unknown.