Coup Suspect Says He Called Tinubu ‘Scared’ After Independence Day Parade Was Cancelled

A Nigerian Navy lieutenant commander standing trial over an alleged coup plot admitted sending a WhatsApp message describing President Bola Tinubu as “scared” after the 1 October Independence Day parade was cancelled. In his statement, the officer said he sent the message to the alleged plot leader, an Army colonel, but claimed he did not know Independence Day had allegedly been considered as a possible date for executing the plan. He said he later doubted the colonel’s ability to stage a coup because there were no logistics and described him as a joker. The officer accepted that failing to report the alleged plot was misconduct. He linked his frustration to stalled promotions and disciplinary issues, while also raising concerns about military welfare, school fees, housing and Nigeria’s economic hardship. The alleged plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to arrests and separate trials for serving officers and civilian suspects. Authorities cancelled the Independence Day parade on the day the alleged plot leader was arrested, though the Defence Headquarters cited the president’s foreign bilateral engagement.

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