Coup Suspect Admits Calling President Tinubu 'Scared' After Parade Cancellation

A Nigerian Navy lieutenant commander, Bayawo Abdullahi, standing trial for an alleged coup plot, has admitted to sending a WhatsApp message describing President Bola Tinubu as "scared" following the cancellation of the October 1st Independence Day parade. The 38-year-old officer sent the message to Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, identified as the alleged leader of the plot.

“

The man has cancelled the parade; the bagger is scared.

The alleged coup plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to the arrest of approximately 40 individuals, including senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians. Serving military officers face a General Court-Martial, while civilians and former military personnel are being prosecuted in a civil court. The cancellation of the Independence Day parade and a reshuffle of the military's top hierarchy followed the thwarted plot.

“

I just said this phrase because of the history of the president not attending the parade.

While media reports linked the parade's cancellation to the alleged plot, the Defence Headquarters stated it was to allow the president to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad. However, the cancellation coincided with Colonel Ma’aji's arrest. Abdullahi's message read: "The man has cancelled the parade; the bagger is scared." He explained that his remark stemmed from the president's past non-attendance at the parade and insisted it was his personal opinion at the time.

“

I accept that my actions have threatened the national security of Nigeria and are also disloyal to the president.

Despite his explanation, Abdullahi acknowledged his message constituted misconduct, stating, "I accept that my actions have threatened the national security of Nigeria and are also disloyal to the president." He claimed ignorance regarding the parade being a proposed execution date for the plot, stating, "I just said this out of ignorance, and I can state categorically that I was not aware that the October 1 parade was to be the execution date." He added that Colonel Ma’aji had not informed him of such plans, which might have been discussed in meetings he did not attend.

“

I just said this out of ignorance, and I can state categorically that I was not aware that the October 1 parade was to be the execution date.