Defense Headquarters Inaugurates Special Court-Martial for 36 Personnel Accused of Plotting Government Overthrow
Abuja, Nigeria – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially inaugurated a General Court Martial tasked with trying 36 serving military personnel accused of mutiny and plotting to overthrow the current government. The inauguration ceremony took place on April 24, 2026, at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. This significant move by the DHQ aims to reinforce discipline and uphold constitutional authority within the Armed Forces.
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director Defence Information, stated that the establishment of the court-martial represents a crucial step in strengthening accountability within the military. He assured the public that the proceedings would adhere strictly to due process, ensuring fairness and impartiality. "Proceedings of the court will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and strict adherence to due process, guaranteeing that justice will be served without fear or favour," Uba emphasized.
Journalists were denied access to the courtroom, which was secured under heavy security. The 36 defendants were transported to the venue in a military bus.
These military proceedings are running parallel to criminal charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja. On April 22, 2026, the Attorney-General of the Federation arraigned several other suspects, including retired military officers, a police inspector, and civilians, on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering. These civilians have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The alleged plot is reported to have been uncovered through internal intelligence, leading to the arrests. This development occurs against the backdrop of a surge in coups and attempted coups in West and Central Africa.
The government initially denied reports of an attempted coup late in the previous year but later confirmed the foiled plot in January 2026. The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the rule of law, assuring that the rights of all personnel would be respected throughout the trial.
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director Defence Information, stated that the establishment of the court-martial represents a crucial step in strengthening accountability within the military. He assured the public that the proceedings would adhere strictly to due process, ensuring fairness and impartiality. "Proceedings of the court will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and strict adherence to due process, guaranteeing that justice will be served without fear or favour," Uba emphasized.
Journalists were denied access to the courtroom, which was secured under heavy security. The 36 defendants were transported to the venue in a military bus.
These military proceedings are running parallel to criminal charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja. On April 22, 2026, the Attorney-General of the Federation arraigned several other suspects, including retired military officers, a police inspector, and civilians, on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering. These civilians have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The alleged plot is reported to have been uncovered through internal intelligence, leading to the arrests. This development occurs against the backdrop of a surge in coups and attempted coups in West and Central Africa.
The government initially denied reports of an attempted coup late in the previous year but later confirmed the foiled plot in January 2026. The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the rule of law, assuring that the rights of all personnel would be respected throughout the trial.
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.