Dozens of serving officers face trial as Nigeria adopts dual-track prosecution, with civilians and ex-military figures already in court over treason and terrorism charges.

By ifeoma Onyekachi

The Nigerian military has convened a General Court-Martial to prosecute a group of officers accused of orchestrating an unconstitutional attempt to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

The proceedings, which began on Friday, were held under heavy security at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. The accused personnel were transported to the venue early in the morning, arriving at approximately 8:53 a.m. in a convoy that included a luxury Marcopolo bus.

Access to the courtroom was strictly restricted, with journalists barred from witnessing the opening session, indicating the sensitive nature of the trial. However, the presence of several civilian legal practitioners at the venue suggested that the accused officers had secured representation.

The court-martial marks a critical phase in the military’s internal disciplinary process, following months of investigations into what authorities describe as a serious breach of military conduct. The case traces back to October 2025, when around 16 serving personnel spanning both senior and junior ranks were initially detained over alleged indiscipline.

Subsequent inquiries reportedly uncovered evidence pointing to a broader conspiracy, prompting the military to escalate the matter to a full court-martial. Sources indicate that the number of accused officers has since risen to over 30.

In a parallel development, the Federal Government is prosecuting several civilian suspects and retired military officers linked to the same alleged plot before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Among those charged are a retired Major General and a serving police officer, all facing counts related to treason and terrorism.

The defendants in the civilian trial have pleaded not guilty, with the court ordering their continued detention pending rulings on their bail applications.

The simultaneous proceedings highlight a coordinated legal strategy: active-duty personnel are being tried within the military justice system, while non-serving individuals face prosecution in civilian courts.

Details of the ongoing court-martial remain limited, as proceedings continue behind closed doors.