The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that the General Court Martial inaugurated to try 36 senior officers indicted for an alleged failed coup plot will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality, and strict adherence to due process. The DHQ emphasized that justice will be served without fear or favour.
Statement from Defence Information Director
In a statement on Friday, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, reiterated that all cases will be addressed within the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system. Uba stated that the DHQ remains resolute in upholding professionalism, discipline, and the rule of law while ensuring that the rights of all personnel are respected and the tenets of fair hearing upheld.
Details of the Allegations
According to Uba, the 36 serving military personnel are being tried over alleged mutiny aimed at overthrowing the government. He said the inauguration of the Court Martial marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability, and the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority.
Incident at the Trial Venue
Earlier on Friday, journalists invited to cover the inauguration of the Court Martial were reportedly chased out of the premises of Scorpion Officers Mess in Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory, the venue of the trial. Confusion ensued as journalists, including a reporter from The Guardian, were constantly asked to move from one location to another upon arrival. A bus conveying the alleged coupists arrived at about 8:53 am, after which the journalists were ordered to leave the premises.
The Guardian gathered that the 36 officers were brought in for the Court Martial in what is likely to be a secret trial. Sixteen senior officers were arrested in October 2025 for what the DHQ termed indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Initially, the military high command denied rumours of a coup, stating that investigations showed the grievances of the arrested officers were linked to repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation.
