Reports of an alleged plot by military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have triggered widespread outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups, and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly dismissed the reports, stating that no coup-related detentions have occurred. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, told reporters that the Armed Forces were unaware of any such plot.
“I am not aware that people were detained for a coup,” Gusau stated, clarifying that a previous statement regarding the arrest of 16 officers for indiscipline remained the military’s official position. “What we issued is what we issued, and there’s no update on that. If there’s one, we will let the public know.”
In its October 4 statement, the DHQ had explained that the arrested officers were being investigated for breaching military regulations. “Their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement read.
However, an online platform, Sahara Reporters, contradicted the official narrative, alleging that the detained officers—ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General—were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for plotting to overthrow the government. The platform claimed the officers were arrested in their homes across the country.
A security source who spoke to journalists corroborated the coup plot allegation, claiming the plan was scheduled for October 1 but was foiled when arrests began the previous day. “The arrests started on September 30. Those arrested are more than 16, and they are all military personnel led by a general,” the source said.
Legal Luminaries Condemn Coup Speculation
Reacting to the rumours, senior lawyers across the country condemned any notion of a military takeover, describing it as unconstitutional. Human rights lawyer Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) insisted that Nigeria must reject all forms of dictatorship.
“No hardship or political dissatisfaction justifies truncating democracy,” he said. “It is true that people are suffering, but the worst civilian government is still preferable to the best dictatorship. We will keep learning from our democratic experiences. Surely, we cannot go back to Egypt.”
Similarly, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) called any talk of a coup “unwarranted, unnecessary, and condemnable,” warning of disastrous consequences for Nigeria and Africa. He attributed the rhetoric to “uncultured youths” unfamiliar with the country’s painful history under military rule.
Yusuf Ali (SAN) added that a military intervention would be catastrophic, noting that Nigeria is “still suffering from the consequences of prolonged military rule.” On his part, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) said any Nigerian who lived through past military regimes would never wish for their return.
Retired Generals Express Skepticism
Several retired military officers also dismissed the reports, expressing confidence in the professionalism of the current Armed Forces.
Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) suggested the rumours were politically motivated. “I believe the whole thing must have been instigated by politicians who are hell-bent on discrediting the present administration. The military is solidly behind President Bola Tinubu,” he affirmed.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) urged Nigerians to remain calm. “Frankly, I find it strange that in 2025, anyone would even whisper the word ‘coup’… This generation of officers are products of global military standards, well-trained in peacekeeping operations, exposed to modern warfare ethics, and deeply aware of the irreparable damage coups have done,” he argued.
Civil Society Backs Democracy
Leaders of civil society organisations echoed the rejection of military rule. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, urged the Federal Government to investigate the matter thoroughly. “Military coups and dictatorships can never be a conversation on the table. I hope the government deals decisively with this,” he said.
Debo Adeniran, National Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), warned that any coup attempt would be a “political misadventure,” describing the idea as unacceptable and outdated.
Nigerians React Online
Citizens also took to social media to voice their support for democracy.
On Facebook, legal practitioner Ofili Onwugbenu wrote, “Anything like a military coup d’état at this delicate time will signal the end of Nigeria as a country. Coupists should be dealt with very ruthlessly.”
On X (formerly Twitter), user Femi Aduwo wrote, “In due course, the real narrative shall inevitably surface, for truth—unlike secrecy—is not bound by military order.”
Another user, Tolulope Adelaja, posted, “Coup plot in 2025? Under President Tinubu’s watch? Those days are gone. This government is fixing the economy and strengthening the military—no going back to the dark ages.”
However, political analyst Bashiru Akanbi offered a word of caution, linking the unrest to the nation’s socio-economic climate. “A military coup is not advisable. This, I fear, is one of many attempts. The trajectory of the living conditions of Nigerians will push more of such attempts.”
Share On:
CLICK HERE TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC/VIDEO