Inside story of how alleged coup plotters infiltrated Presidential Villa through construction company
Leaders of the plot
Findings have revealed that those involved in the alleged coup plotters, who were out to overthrow the President Bola Tinubu led administration, infiltrated the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It was gathered that the plotters elaborate plan used construction workers to gain access to the villa.
The coup plotters allegedly planned to assassinate key officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
The plot was described as one of the most audacious threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday confirmed that the military personnel indicted will face trial before appropriate military judicial panels.
Recall, in October 2025, the DHQ announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
On October 18, there were reports that the officers — ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government.
The cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was linked to the alleged plot
Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement said.
Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures.
He said the findings showed that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and that the investigation report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
Meanwhile, investigations shows that some of the officers reportedly conducted surveillance, assessed security systems, and identified vulnerabilities. According to sources, investigators discovered that some staff of construction giant, Julius Berger, the firm maintaining the Villa, may have been compromised to grant the plotters access.
A Presidential Villa security source said, “The coup plotters compromised the Villa, accessed security installations, and identified vulnerabilities.”
Officials are now reviewing internal security protocols, especially concerning contractors and staff with access to critical areas, to prevent further breaches.
Some of the detained officers, who will the panels, include Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq – (N/10321), believed to be the suspected leader of the alleged coup plot
Names of other military officers arrested and detained are Colonel M.A. Ma’aji; Lt. Colonel S. Bappah; P. Dangnap; Lt Colonel A.A. Hayatu; Lt. Colonel M. Almakura; Major A. J. Ibrahim; Major M.M. Jiddah; Major M.A. Usman; Major D. Yusuf; Major I. Dauda; Captain Ibrahim Bello; Captain A.A. Yusuf; Lt S.S Felix; Lt Commander D. B. Abdullahi and Squandron Leader S. B. Adamu.
