Kukasheka-Usman: Civilian Oversight Will Govern Court-Martial of Alleged Coup Plotters

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman (Rtd.), former Director of Army Public Relations, has asserted that individuals alleged to be involved in a coup attempt will be prosecuted through military courts with civilian oversight. This announcement comes in light of a failed coup aimed at disrupting Nigeria's democratic governance.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Kukasheka-Usman highlighted the need for both military and civilian legal frameworks to be strictly adhered to, given the serious nature of the offenses involved.

Describing the attempted coup as a grave concern, he remarked, "It is indeed a very serious matter. Beyond military misconduct, a serving military member cannot be tried for offenses until the commanding officer acknowledges that a violation has occurred. Established procedures must be meticulously followed. The military and the government have carried out their responsibilities thoroughly, and we should allow them the opportunity to proceed unobstructed."

He noted that the incident, which was initially downplayed by certain officials, caught both military personnel and the public off guard, emphasizing the significance of ongoing reforms within the armed forces. "The military has experienced a transformative process from 2000 to 2015, involving both doctrinal changes and enhancements in attitudes to foster better relationships with civilians, keying into the principle that military operations must always be governed by democratic oversight," he elaborated.

Kukasheka-Usman further clarified the relationship between military personnel and civilian law. "The existing doctrine stipulates that military personnel are subject to military regulations, civil law, and international statutes to which Nigeria is a signatory," he explained. "According to Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, military personnel can only be tried for specific civilian offenses outlined within that act. Other charges would lead them to a court- martial, which has authority comparable to that of a state or FCT High Court, subject to further review by the Defence Council, with appeals permitted right up to the Supreme Court."

He pointed out that this is a historic moment as it marks the first instance of handling an attempted coup within an ongoing democratic framework. "This is a significant development. The accused will face court-martial proceedings and will be entitled to representation from the Defence Council," he remarked.

Among military reforms, Kukasheka-Usman emphasized the army's commitment to accountability and public service, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of Department of Civil and Military Affairs and a toll-free emergency hotline for the public, which demonstrate the military's dedication to serving civilians and upholding civilian leadership.

Moreover, he commended the role played by military commanders and governmental structures in ensuring a transparent process. "It is imperative that all procedural requirements are satisfied before any military personnel can be put on trial. Lawyer Frank Tete commended the military and the government for their thoroughness, and we look forward to updates following the establishment of the court," he concluded.