The Nigerian Armed Forces have commenced a general court-martial for 36 personnel accused of participating in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu.
The proceedings, set up by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), were inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under tight security. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the session was conducted behind closed doors, with journalists—including accredited defence correspondents—denied entry.
Security operatives also restricted the use of mobile phones as the accused officers were transported to the venue in a military bus early in the morning.
The court-martial is expected to address multiple cases involving the defendants, as the military seeks to maintain discipline and safeguard constitutional order.
The list of those facing trial includes senior and mid-level officers such as brigadiers, colonels, majors, captains, and other ranks across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Although the specific charges have not yet been publicly disclosed, authorities confirmed that each defendant will be served their charges individually.
Earlier in January, the DHQ had announced the arrest of several officers over allegations linked to a coup attempt, as well as other offences including indiscipline and violations of military regulations.
In a related development, the Federal Government recently arraigned six individuals—including two retired military officers and a serving police inspector—before the Federal High Court in Abuja over a separate alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and remove the President.
The suspects are facing a 13-count charge covering offences such as conspiracy, attempted treason, terrorism, failure to disclose intelligence, terrorism financing, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege the plot was hatched in 2025 as part of efforts to destabilise the country.