Military begins trial of alleged coup plotters as court-martial sits in Abuja

The Nigerian military has formally commenced the trial of officers accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot, following the inauguration of a General Court-Martial in Abuja on Friday.

The proceedings, which began at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, mark a significant step in the military’s internal disciplinary process after months of investigation into the alleged conspiracy.

Officials said the accused officers were brought to the venue under heavy security at about 8:53 a.m., with access to the courtroom restricted as journalists were barred from observing the session.

Despite the closed-door nature of the trial, several civilian lawyers were seen arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, indicating that the accused personnel have secured legal representation.

The case traces back to October 2025, when about 16 serving military personnel—both senior and junior officers—were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline. However, subsequent investigations by military authorities reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting a more serious offence, including an alleged attempt to overthrow the constitutional government.

This development led to the decision to subject the officers to trial before a court-martial.

Sources familiar with the proceedings disclosed that more than 30 accused officers were transported to the venue in a Marcopolo luxury bus, underscoring the scale of the case.

In a parallel legal process, the Federal Government had earlier arraigned several civilian suspects and retired military officers before a Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with the same alleged plot.

Among those facing trial in the civilian court are a retired Major General and a serving police officer, who have been charged with offences bordering on treason and terrorism. All the defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

The court subsequently ordered their remand in custody pending the determination of their bail applications.

The ongoing proceedings highlight a dual-track approach by authorities, with serving military personnel being tried within the military justice system, while civilians and retired officers face prosecution in conventional courts.