Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said suspects arrested over the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu will be released if investigations establish that they have no case to answer.

Musa stated this during an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, explaining why some suspects had not yet been prosecuted.

He said security agencies were taking time to ensure that innocent people were not wrongly implicated, stressing that only those identified as the main actors would face prosecution.

According to the minister, the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency are still investigating the matter, while some suspects have already been taken to court.

Musa maintained that the alleged coup plot was genuine and that those behind it intended to execute their plans. He described the alleged plotters as “misguided individuals”.

Asked whether the plot was politically motivated, the minister said he did not believe it was. He suggested that those involved may have been motivated by nostalgia for past military regimes and the positions of influence associated with them.

He also disclosed that some suspects linked to the alleged plot remained at large, adding that authorities were being careful not to wrongly accuse innocent people.

The alleged coup investigation dates back to October 2025, when the military announced the arrest of 16 senior officers over alleged breaches of service regulations. The arrests were subsequently linked to an alleged plan to overthrow the Tinubu administration.

The Federal Government has since filed charges against several individuals, while serving military personnel accused of involvement are facing proceedings before a General Court Martial.

Musa urged Nigerians to protect the country’s democratic system and address national challenges through democratic means rather than military intervention.