A General Court Martial convened by the Defence Headquarters has begun the trial of 36 Nigerian military personnel accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. The proceedings are taking place at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under tight security and are being held behind closed doors.
Journalists were barred from accessing the venue on Friday, with armed security operatives turning them back without explanation. Authorities also enforced strict restrictions, including a ban on mobile phones and recording devices within and around the premises, heightening concerns over transparency in the high-profile military trial.
The court-martial was established under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, following a convening order issued by the Defence Headquarters. The order, signed by a senior military officer, directed the assembly of the General Court Martial on April 23, 2026, and mandated multiple security agencies to secure the venue and enforce strict entry controls.
Although specific charges were not publicly disclosed, official documents state that the accusations will be served individually on the 36 officers, who cut across various ranks in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The accused include senior officers such as brigadier generals and colonels, as well as junior ranks including warrant officers, sergeants, and corporals.
The trial is regarded as one of the most extensive military court proceedings in recent years in Nigeria, drawing attention due to its scale and sensitivity. However, the secrecy surrounding the process and the exclusion of the press have sparked renewed debate over accountability and transparency within the military justice system