Musa spoke on the matter during an interview with TRT World, a Turkish news network, where he also outlined the government’s plans to support the families of the accused.

The 16 officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were arrested in October 2025. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) initially described their detention as a result of acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

However, on January 26, the DHQ publicly confirmed that the officers were linked to a foiled plot to oust President Bola Tinubu.

According to the military, the conspiracy was uncovered in late September 2025 following joint intelligence operations involving the army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The alleged plot reportedly included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice‑President Kashim Shettima and other senior government officials, as well as to detain senior military leaders.

Musa said the accused officers would have access to legal counsel of their choice and would be treated fairly throughout the judicial process.

“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families,” he said.

He reiterated that, despite the gravity of the allegations, due process would be respected.

Musa added, “But even at that, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.

“Their family members are not left alone. The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after.”

The defence minister stressed that the accused were aware of the potential consequences of their actions.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussions of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” he said.