The Nigerian military has inaugurated a court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The panel, set up by the defence headquarters, was inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, with proceedings held behind closed doors under tight security. Journalists were barred from the venue, while mobile phones were also prohibited as the accused were brought in under heavy escort.
The officers were conveyed to the venue in a bus belonging to the army headquarters garrison, with the military maintaining strict secrecy around the trial process.
Meanwhile, the federal government is separately prosecuting six suspects before a federal high court in Abuja in connection with the alleged plot. The defendants include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and civilians, and they face a 13-count charge. The court ordered their remand in DSS custody and fixed April 27 for an accelerated hearing.
Although former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva was mentioned in the charge, he is said to be at large.
On the alleged plot, Samaila Uba, director of defence information, said:
“Investigations conducted in line with established military procedures found some personnel involved in a coup plot,” adding that the officers would face military judicial panels.
The controversy dates back to September 2025 when the federal government abruptly cancelled the independence anniversary parade, a move later linked in reports to an alleged coup attempt. The Defence Headquarters initially dismissed such claims, insisting there was no connection, but later confirmed that an investigation uncovered a plot to overthrow the government.
Families of detained officers have repeatedly called for open trials and access to the suspects, while protests have also been staged demanding transparency and a speedy hearing.
