EXCLUSIVE: How coup suspect mocked Tinubu after Independence Day parade was cancelled
A Nigerian Navy officer has admitted to sending a message mocking President Tinubu following the cancellation of an Independence Day parade. The incident is linked to a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot involving dozens of military personnel.
Why it matters
Provides insight into internal military instability and political tensions within the Nigerian government.
A Nigerian Navy lieutenant commander standing trial over an alleged coup plot admitted sending a message describing President Bola Tinubu as “scared” after the cancellation of the 1 October Independence Day parade.
The admission was in a statement written by the 38-year-old officer from Kogi State, Bayawo Abdullahi, where he acknowledged sending a WhatsApp message to the coup leader, Mohammed Ma’aji, a Nigerian Army colonel, shortly after the annual parade was called off.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the coup plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to the initial arrest of 16 military officers. In total, about 40 people, including senior officers across the armed forces, a police officer, and civilians allegedly involved in the plot, had been arrested and were being prosecuted.
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