Lawmaker sues Nigerian military over alleged coup plot

Lawmaker sues Nigerian military over alleged coup plot

Hon. Kanmi Ajibola, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Oriade Constituency, has filed a landmark suit against the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged coup plot aimed at destabilizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and Nigeria’s democratic order.

The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Osogbo on Thursday, October 30, 2025, lists the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants.

Ajibola, a seasoned legal practitioner and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilesa Branch, is seeking a judicial declaration that no provision of the 1999 Constitution or any law enacted by the National Assembly empowers the military to overthrow a democratically elected government.

“Coup Has No Place in Nigerian Law” — Ajibola

In a 23-paragraph affidavit accompanying the originating summons, Ajibola cited Section 217(2) of the Constitution, which outlines the constitutional duties of the armed forces. He argued that the military is not authorized to act beyond these provisions or assume political authority under any circumstance.

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“There is no provision in the Constitution, the Armed Forces Act, or any law of the National Assembly granting the Nigerian military the power to forcefully take over governance,” Ajibola stated.

He is urging the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the armed forces — including their personnel, officers, or proxies — from ever attempting to seize power or interfere with civilian rule through a coup d’état or any unconstitutional means.

Ajibola referenced Sections 1(2), 150, and 217 of the 1999 Constitution, along with Sections 1(3–5) of the Armed Forces Act, emphasizing that these laws unequivocally subordinate the military to civilian authority.

A Warning Against Democratic Backsliding

Describing recent reports of an attempted coup as “a dangerous signal” and “a slap in the face of all patriots and democrats,” Ajibola condemned the mindset among some officers who still believe in seizing power by force.

“It is worrisome that some officers still harbour the illusion that they can take over power by force. This mindset contradicts the spirit of our Constitution and undermines decades of democratic struggle,” he said.

The case is expected to test the judiciary’s stance on military interference in governance and reinforce constitutional safeguards against authoritarian overreach.

Lawmaker sues Nigerian military over alleged coup plot