Confusion reigned as the military high command inaugurated a General Court Martial to try 36 senior officers indicted for an alleged failed coup on Friday. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) assured that the proceedings would be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality, and strict adherence to due process. However, a few journalists invited to cover the inauguration at the Scorpion Officers Mess were chased out of the premises.
Journalists Barred from Trial Venue
Anxiety set in when journalists, including a reporter from The Guardian, were constantly asked to move from one location to another within the premises. As the bus conveying the alleged coupists arrived at the venue at 8:53 am, the journalists were ordered to leave the trial venue entirely.
DHQ Pledges Fairness
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, pledged that all cases would be addressed within the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system, adding that justice would be served without fear or favour. 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.
According to him, 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.
Background of the Arrests
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. A statement from the DHQ described the conduct of the officers as incompatible with military standards, adding that some officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences and were either awaiting or undergoing trial.
However, in January 2026, the military admitted that there was a failed coup plot, saying that a comprehensive investigation had been concluded in line with established military procedures. According to the military, some officers were found with cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, and the report was forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The DHQ stated: “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”
The inauguration of the General Court Martial on Friday marked the commencement of the trial of the alleged coupists.
