KEY POINTS

• Nigerian military has inaugurated a court-martial to try 36 personnel over an alleged coup plot
• Federal government is also prosecuting six suspects separately, with trial set to begin on April 27
• Families of detained officers have protested, demanding open trials, access, and speedy justice

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 military panel, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, where proceedings commenced under strict security measures.

Journalists were denied access to the venue, as the trial is being conducted behind closed doors. Security operatives also prohibited the use of mobile phones, while the accused personnel were transported to the location in a bus belonging to the Army Headquarters Garrison.

Parallel to the military trial, the federal government has initiated separate legal proceedings against six suspects linked to the same alleged plot. The suspects — including a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and several civilians — were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a 13-count charge.

The court ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services and scheduled April 27 for the commencement of an accelerated hearing.

One notable figure mentioned in the charge is former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large.

Background to the alleged coup plot

The controversy surrounding the alleged coup attempt dates back to September 29, 2025, when the federal government abruptly cancelled a planned military parade for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Speculation soon emerged linking the cancellation to a possible coup plot. However, the Defence Headquarters denied any connection between the two events.

In October 2025, reports indicated that at least 16 military officers were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, while two others were said to be on the run.

By January 2026, the Defence Headquarters officially confirmed that investigations had uncovered evidence of a plan to overthrow the government. According to the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, the findings followed internal military procedures, and those implicated would face trial before appropriate military judicial bodies.

The arrests and prolonged detention of the accused officers have sparked concern among their families, who have repeatedly called for transparency and due process.

In March 2026, relatives of the detained officers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to allow the suspects to be tried in an open court. They also demanded access to the detainees and clarity on the identities of those alleged to be masterminds of the plot.

Earlier in April, the families staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, urging authorities to ensure a speedy trial and grant them access to their detained relatives.

Despite these appeals, the military has proceeded with a closed-door court-martial, raising ongoing questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.