Thirty-six military personnel began facing a closed-door court-martial on April 23, 2026, at the Scorpion Officers' Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, over allegations of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The trial, convened by the Defence Headquarters under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, was inaugurated under tight security. Journalists were denied entry to the venue, and mobile phones and recording devices were prohibited around the premises. The convening order, signed on April 17, 2026, by Major General AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison, mandated strict access control and search operations for all participants. Accused personnel remain in custody under escort during proceedings. The list of defendants includes high-ranking officers such as Brigadier General MA Sadiq (N/10321), Colonel MA Ma'aji (N/10668), and several lieutenant colonels, majors, captains, and junior ranks from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The document specifies that only court guards are permitted to carry arms around the court premises each day. While the charges against the accused were not disclosed in the order, the trial is one of the largest military tribunals in recent years. Security operatives provided no explanation for barring media personnel. The trial is being conducted under the authority of the General Court Martial (GCM) framework, with military, naval, and air police tasked with securing the venue.
The military insists on public confidence while denying Nigerians access to a trial involving 36 officers accused of plotting against the president. If the process is legitimate, the secrecy fuels the very suspicion it seeks to quell. Named officers like Brigadier General MA Sadiq and Colonel MA Ma'aji now face proceedings in silence, leaving their colleagues and families in the dark. Transparency would be the strongest rebuttal to the allegations—but that is not the path chosen.
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