36 soldiers face court martial over alleged plot to overthrow Tinubu

The Nigerian military has commenced the trial of 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu.

The General Court Martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under tight security.

Proceedings were held behind closed doors, with journalists denied access to the venue, while security operatives prohibited the use of mobile phones as the accused personnel were transported in a military bus from the Army Headquarters Garrison.

The development comes amid a crackdown involving both military and civilian suspects linked to the alleged coup plot.

Separately, the federal government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, has arraigned six individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a 13-count charge bordering on treasonable offences.

Those standing trial include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and several civilians.

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

Among those mentioned in the charge is former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, who is reportedly at large.

The case traces back to late 2025, when suspicions of a coup attempt first emerged. On September 29, 2025, the federal government abruptly cancelled a planned military parade to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

While initial reports linked the decision to security concerns stemming from a possible coup plot, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, insisting there was no connection.

However, on October 31, 2025, reports surfaced that at least 16 military officers had been arrested earlier that month over their alleged roles in the plot, with two others said to have fled.

In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of a coup plot.

Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, disclosed that investigations carried out in accordance with military procedures had uncovered the involvement of certain personnel. He added that those implicated would face trial before appropriate military judicial panels.

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

In March, relatives of the detained officers appealed to Tinubu to ensure the suspects were tried in an open court.

At a press conference in Abuja, the families also demanded access to the alleged masterminds of the plot.

Their agitation intensified earlier in April when wives and other family members staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly, calling for a speedy trial and improved access to their detained relatives.