The Defence Headquarters has convened a General Court Martial to try 36 military personnel accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu. The convening order, dated April 17, 2026, was issued from the Defence Headquarters Garrison at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, and operates under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The trial is set to begin on April 23, 2026, at the Scorpion Officers' Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. The court is chaired by Air Vice Marshal HI Alhaji, with senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force forming the panel, including Major General UT Opuene, Rear Admiral DM Ndanusa, and Air Vice Marshal MA Isah. Lt Col. A. Mohammed has been appointed Judge Advocate to provide legal oversight.
The accused include a Brigadier General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, Squadron Leaders, Captains, Warrant Officers, and other non-commissioned officers. Among them are Brigadier General MA Sadiq (N/10321), Colonel MA Ma'aji (N/10668), and Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain (N/12225). Others listed are Major MM Jiddah (N/13003), Squadron Leader SB Adamu (NAF/3481), Captain G Binuga (N/16722), and Lance Corporal Nasiru Yushau (16NA/75/5221). The charges, which have not been disclosed, will be served individually to each accused. Both prosecution and defence are entitled to call witnesses under the Evidence Act 2023, and accused persons may choose their own legal representation. The President of the GCM must submit five bound copies of the trial records within 60 days of the trial's conclusion.
On Wednesday, six suspects were arraigned at a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of treason, terrorism, and money laundering. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a 13-count charge. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva was not among those arraigned and remains at large, according to prosecutors.
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