The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The court-martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security. Despite the high-profile nature of the proceedings, the session was held behind closed doors.
Journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue. Security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 a.m.
The military proceedings are unfolding alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
On April 22, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, arraigned several other suspects in connection with the same alleged plot before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. That group, which includes retired military officers, a police inspector, and civilians, pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering.
The prosecution alleges that the group conspired in 2025 to overthrow the government and failed to report the plot to authorities. The court has since ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), with an accelerated hearing scheduled for April 27.
