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Pledges Fairness, Impartiality, Transparency of Process
- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian military has on Friday inaugurated a General Court-Martial for the trial of 36 serving officers accused of coup plotting, marking the formal commencement of proceedings.
The accused officers were reportedly brought in a Marcopolo luxurious bus to the venue of the sitting, the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, at about 8:53 a.m. under tight security.
Journalists were, however, denied access into the courtroom as proceedings commenced behind closed doors.
Several civil lawyers were observed arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, suggesting the presence of legal representatives for the accused.
The case dates back to October 2025 when about 16 serving military personnel, comprising senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline.
Subsequent investigations by military authorities, however, established that some of the officers had cases to answer bordering on an alleged attempt to overthrow the constitutional government, leading to the decision to subject them to court-martial.
Reacting to the development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), pledged to ensure a fair, impartial, and transparent trial of the 36 serving officers who are accused of mutiny and breaches of national security.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Friday in Abuja.
Uba said the court-martial was constituted to try the personnel for alleged attempts aimed at overthrowing the government of the day.
He said the inauguration of the General Court-Martial was in furtherance of its earlier statement issued on January 26, on the matter.
According to him, the move marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability and the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority.
He assured that proceedings would be conducted with the highest standards of fairness and impartiality, with strict adherence to due process to guarantee that justice is served without fear or favour.
“All cases will be addressed within the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system,” it said.
Uba added that it 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 are upheld.