ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Armed Forces have commenced court-martial proceedings against 36 serving officers accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The trial began on Friday in Abuja at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro under heavy security and strict restrictions that barred journalists and members of the public from accessing the venue.
Security operatives turned away reporters at the entrance, while mobile phones, cameras, and recording devices were prohibited within and around the facility. The area was heavily secured by personnel drawn from the Military Police, Naval Police, Air Force Police, and the Guards Brigade.
Military sources confirmed that the General Court Martial was established under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. An official order dated April 17, 2026, reportedly constituted the tribunal and listed the accused officers.
The 36 officers come from various branches of the Armed Forces, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with ranks ranging from Brigadier General to Lance Corporal. Although details of the charges remain undisclosed, the case is believed to involve an alleged coordinated attempt to undermine the federal government.
All accused officers are currently in custody and are escorted under strict military guard during proceedings. Access to the court-martial is tightly controlled, with only authorized personnel allowed entry.
Authorities say only designated court guards are permitted to carry weapons inside the premises, while all entrants undergo thorough security screening.
The closed-door nature of the trial has sparked concerns among some observers about transparency and accountability. However, military officials insist the restrictions are necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The court-martial is expected to continue over multiple sessions, with no verdicts announced and no official timeline provided for its conclusion.
