Coup plotters know consequences of their actions as Defence Minister reveals what will happen to their family members

Coup plotters know consequences of their actions as Defence Minister reveals what will happen to their family members

The Federal Government has pledged to protect the welfare of families of military personnel implicated in the alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, even as the accused officers prepare to face military justice.

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), gave the assurance during an interview with Turkish broadcast station, TRT World, where he stressed that while the suspects would be subjected to due process, their dependents would not be neglected.

“Everybody knows the repercussions when you take such actions, so I am sure they have made up their minds,” the minister said.

“They must have considered their families, but the truth is that even at the top levels of the armed forces, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.”

According to Musa, the officers named in the alleged coup plot will be tried in line with existing military laws, with guarantees of fairness throughout the process.

“The announcement just came out, so they are going to face court-martial as usual. The court-martial will be free and fair; they will be allowed to get their own counsels to defend them,” Musa stated.

He further emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting the families affected by the unfolding legal process.

“The family members are not left alone. The government is also making sure that at least they are taken care of. The wives and children need to be looked after,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers, alongside some civilians, over an alleged coup attempt against the Tinubu administration.

This confirmation followed an earlier denial by the military in October 2025, when initial reports of the arrests surfaced.

At the time, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the reports as misleading, saying they were designed to stir public anxiety and erode trust.

He maintained that the matter was an internal disciplinary issue.

“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.

However, providing an update on Monday, the current Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that investigations had been concluded in accordance with standard military procedures.

He revealed that the findings indicated some of the officers had a case to answer over allegations of plotting against the government, adding that the report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

Unless there is any last-minute change, the suspects are expected to be arraigned before a military tribunal in the coming days.