The military high command has admitted that some of its officers plotted to unseat
President Bola Tinubu.
In October last year, there were reports that officers, ranging from the rank of
Captain to Brigadier-General, were arrested and detained by the Defence
Intelligence Agency, DIA, for attempting to overthrow President Tinubu’s
government.
In a statement issued after the report, the Director, Defence Information, Samaila
Uba, a Major-General, confirmed that the probe panel had indeed submitted its
report to the “appropriate superior authority”.
Uba said those with cases to answer would be formally arraigned before
appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed
Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public
that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to
appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with
established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances
surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting
to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and
professional standards required of members of the AFN.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before
appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed
Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
The senior military officer explained that the military made this development
public was to ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and
due process.
According to him, the Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest
standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.
Uba added, “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary
and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and
operational effectiveness within the ranks.”
According to Vanguard report published recently, below are the full names and
ranks of the 16 indicted officers:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course)
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Regular Course)
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Regular Course)
Major A. J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Regular Course)
Major M. M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Regular Course)
Major M. A. Usman (Federal Capital Territory, 60th Regular Course)
Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Regular Course)
Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38)
Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)
Captain A. A. Yusuf
Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
A breakdown of the list shows that most of the officers are drawn from the
Infantry, Signals and Ordnance Corps of the Armed Forces.
