DHQ pledges fairness, due process in alleged coup trial
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the General Court Martial inaugurated on Friday to prosecute 36 military personnel for alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the General Court Martial inaugurated on Friday to prosecute 36 military personnel for alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness and impartiality, strictly adhering to the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system.
The military high command stated this in a statement through the Director Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba.
The DHQ confirmed the arrest of some officers in October 2025 over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. This followed reports of a botched coup attempt and the subsequent cancellation of Nigeria's Independence celebration.
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It said military officers involved in the alleged coup plot will be formally arraigned before a military court martial following the conclusion of the investigation.
During the court martial inauguration on Friday, the 36 defendants arrived at the court around 8:54 am in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus followed by a Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) detention operations vehicle.
However, the trial commenced behind closed doors at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro Abuja, but journalists were barred from coverage.
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In a statement after the inauguration, the Defence spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Uba, said the inauguration marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability and the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority.
He said, “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. All cases will be addressed within extant legal frameworks of the military justice system.”
Uba said the DHQ remains resolute in “upholding professionalism, discipline and the rule of law,” while ensuring that the rights of all personnel are respected and the tenets of fair hearing upheld.
