Nigerian Military Court-Martial Begins for Coup Plot

The Nigerian military has commenced a court-martial for several officers accused of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The formal inauguration of the court-martial took place on a Friday, with proceedings held at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, starting around 8:53 AM.

Journalists were barred from observing the trial, which began behind closed doors. The presence of several civilian legal practitioners suggests that the accused officers are receiving legal representation from the federal government.

Earlier, several civilian suspects and a retired military officer were arraigned in the Federal High Court in Abuja related to the same coup plot allegations. Among those charged is a retired major general, facing counts of treason and terrorism.

The accused personnel have pleaded not guilty, and the court subsequently ordered their remand in custody pending the determination of their bail applications. This court-martial marks a significant step in the military's internal disciplinary process following a month-long investigation into the alleged plot, which dates back to October 2025 when 16 military personnel were arrested.