The Nigerian military has commenced the General Court-Martial (GCM) trial of at least 36 serving military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government. The proceedings, which began on Friday, were held behind closed doors at the Scorpion Officers' Mess, located within WU Bassey Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja. Journalists invited to cover the inauguration were denied access and chased out of the premises, with operatives stating there was no order to allow media coverage.

Confusion reportedly set in earlier in the day when journalists were moved from one location to another, just before a bus conveying the alleged coup plotters arrived around 8:53 a.m. More than 30 accused officers were brought in a “Marcopolo” luxurious bus, with a total of 36 officers listed for arraignment. The trial is expected to be a secret proceeding, with a statement anticipated after the inauguration.

The case has a background stretching back to October 2025, when 16 senior officers were initially arrested by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for what was termed “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” At that time, the military high command denied rumors of a coup, attributing the officers' grievances to repeated failures in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation. A statement from the DHQ described their conduct as incompatible with military standards, noting some were already under jurisdiction for various offenses.

However, in January 2026, the military reversed its stance, admitting to a failed coup plot. A comprehensive investigation, conducted in line with established military procedures, concluded that some officers had cases to answer for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The findings identified their actions as inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The report was subsequently forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

The General Court Martial was convened by the Defence Headquarters Garrison, with a convening order signed by AM Alechenu, Commander, dated April 17. The order specified strict security measures, involving military, naval, air police, and guards brigade personnel, prohibiting weapons in the courtroom except for court guards. The panel, constituted pursuant to the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, is composed of senior officers from across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji chairs the panel as President, supported by Major Generals UT Opuene, IB Abubakar, NUC Ogili, SA Emmanuel, and FU Mijinyawa; Rear Admirals D.M. Ndanusa and MK Igwe; and Air Vice Marshals M.A. Isah and A.O. Kotun. Lieutenant Colonel A. Mohammed serves as the Judge Advocate.

The convening order further outlines key support appointments, including a liaison officer, prosecuting officers drawn from the three services, a technical team, supervising officers, and a court secretariat. It affirms that both the prosecution and defence will be allowed to present witnesses in accordance with the Evidence Act 2023 and guarantees accused persons the right to legal representation of their choice. If an accused fails to secure counsel, the Convening Authority will appoint one at no cost. The charges are to be served individually on the accused persons.

Parallel to the military's internal trial, the Federal Government has also arraigned several civilian suspects and retired military personnel before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the same alleged coup plot. These defendants, including a retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani, face 13 charges, including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information, and money laundering. They have pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody pending bail hearings. This dual-track approach ensures serving military personnel face court-martial, while civilians and retired officers are tried in civilian courts.

The 36 officers listed in the convening order for the court-martial include: Brigadier General MA Sadiq; Colonels MA Ma’aji, IM Hussain; Lieutenant Colonels M Almakura, P Dangnap, S Bappah, AA Hayatu, SM Gana; Wing Commander IU Yusuf; Majors MM Jiddah, H Yusuf, AD Dauda, JM Ganaks, D Yusuf, J Iliyasu, MA Usman, A Mohammed, II Idris; Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi; Squadron Leaders SB Adamu, NG Zuzu; Captains G Binuga, I Bello, AA Yusuf, IU Zubair, ML Muhammad; Lieutenant SS Felix; Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim; Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi; Sergeants Alhassan Zakari, Sanda Usman, Abubakar Ibrahim; Corporals Momoh Audu, Aliyu Ibrahim; and Lance Corporals Sambo Danladi, Nasiru Yushau.