Nigeria’s military has inaugurated a General Court Martial to try 36 senior officers over an alleged failed coup, with the Defence Headquarters assuring that the process will follow due process and uphold fairness.
The trial, which commenced on Friday at the Scorpion Officers Mess, is aimed at prosecuting serving personnel accused of mutiny and plotting to overthrow the government. According to the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the proceedings will be conducted with impartiality and strict adherence to military justice standards, ensuring the rights of all accused officers are respected.
However, the opening of the trial was marked by tension, as journalists invited to cover the event were eventually asked to leave the premises, raising concerns about transparency.
The development follows earlier events in October 2025, when several officers were arrested over what was initially described as indiscipline and breaches of service rules. At the time, authorities dismissed reports of a coup attempt.
But in January 2026, the military confirmed that investigations had uncovered a plot to overthrow the government, with some officers found to have cases to answer. The findings were subsequently forwarded for prosecution.
The military said the court martial represents a critical step in enforcing discipline, accountability, and the rule of law within the armed forces, as it moves to address the allegations and maintain institutional integrity.
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