Military Court-Martials Over 20 Officers Linked to Alleged Coup Plot

The Nigerian military has initiated the court-martial of over 20 active-duty officers implicated in an alleged conspiracy to unseat the current administration. The trial commenced on Friday within the secure confines of the Scorpion Mess, located in the WU Bassey Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja.

Reporters who arrived early for coverage were denied entry by military personnel at the barracks gate. The operatives stated that no authorization had been given for media presence during the proceedings.

The accused officers arrived at the trial venue around 8:55 a.m., transported in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus, accompanied by a Defence Intelligence Agency detention operations vehicle.

This development follows the federal government's arraignment of six individuals on similar charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja earlier in the week. The judge in that case, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, scheduled the trial for April 27, with one of the accused, former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, reportedly being at large.

During their arraignment, the six defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the 13 counts of treason filed against them by the prosecution.

While the military initially reported the arrest of 16 serving personnel in October of the previous year, the number of officers seen arriving for the trial exceeded 20.

Earlier this year, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, announced that investigations into the alleged plot had concluded. He confirmed that the findings had been submitted to the relevant superior authorities for further action, in accordance with established protocols.

Uba had explained that the extensive investigation, conducted according to military procedures, thoroughly examined the conduct of the implicated personnel. He stated that the findings identified several officers involved in activities inconsistent with the professional standards and ethics expected of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, including alleged plotting to overthrow the government.

He further indicated that officers with cases to answer would face formal charges before a military judicial panel, adhering to the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations, to ensure accountability and uphold due process.