Journalists invited to cover the inauguration of the Court Martial for the trial of alleged coup plotters were on Friday barred from the proceedings at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, the venue of the trial.
Confusion began when reporters, were repeatedly moved from one location to another shortly after arriving at the facility.
As journalists were being repositioned, a bus conveying the accused officers arrived at about 8:53 a.m. Shortly after, security personnel ordered all reporters to leave the premises.
The trial, which involves about 36 officers, is expected to be conducted behind closed doors, with an official statement to be issued after the inauguration.
Military Earlier Denied Coup Attempt
The officers were arrested in October 2025 over alleged indiscipline and breach of military regulations. The Defence Headquarters initially dismissed rumours of a coup attempt, linking the arrests to failed promotion exams and career-related grievances.
At the time, the military said some of the officers were already facing disciplinary proceedings or awaiting trial for various offences.
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However, in January 2026, the military later confirmed that a full investigation had established a failed coup plot, stating that some officers were found to have cases to answer over alleged plans to overthrow the government.
The Defence Headquarters said the findings had been forwarded to appropriate authorities for further action.
Names of the officers later circulated on social media, including senior ranks such as Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah, Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu, Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan, Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura, Major A. J. Ibrahim, Major M. M. Jiddah, Major M. A. Usman and Major D. Yusuf.
Others are Major I. Dauda, Captain I. Bello, Captain A. A. Yusuf, Lieutenant S. S. Felix, Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi and Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu.
Though the military did not officially confirm or deny the list.
Falana Faults Planned Military Trial of Alleged Coup Plotters, Seeks AGF Intervention
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has described the planned trial of 36 alleged coup plotters before a military court as unconstitutional, calling for the intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
In a statement, Falana urged the AGF to exercise his powers under Section 174 of the Constitution to discontinue the charge before the General Court Martial and instead file the case at the Federal High Court.
Falana argued that Section 251 of the Constitution vests jurisdiction over offences such as treason, treasonable felony and terrorism in the Federal High Court, adding that trying some suspects in a military court while others face civil courts undermines equality before the law.
He said: “Since the Constitution has provided for equality of citizens before the law, the planned trial of six suspects in the Federal High Court and 36 others before a General Court Martial for the same offence cannot be justified under any law in Nigeria.”
The senior lawyer further maintained that a General Court Martial is not legally competent to try such offences under Nigeria’s democratic system.
He noted that even during military rule, coup-related cases were handled by special tribunals rather than courts-martial.
Falana added that since the return to democratic governance in 1999, all treason-related offences must be tried at the Federal High Court, warning that any deviation would amount to a breach of the Constitution.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.