BARRACKS TO BENCH: MILITARY OPENS SECRET COURT-MARTIAL AS 30+ OFFICERS FACE COUP CHARGES
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–JOURNALISTS barred, civilian lawyers in, as “cases to answer over an alleged plot to overthrow the constitutional government” hit Guards Brigade.
Key Issues:
– Trial Opens at Scorpion Mess: _”The Nigerian military on Friday formally opened the trial of serving officers linked to an alleged coup plot, inaugurating a General Court-Martial at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess, Asokoro.”_
– Heavy Guard, Closed Doors: _”The accused officers arrived under heavy guard at 8:53 a.m. in a Marcopolo bus. More than 30 officers were brought in. Proceedings began behind closed doors, with journalists barred from the courtroom.”_
– Defendants Lawyer Up: _”Several civilian lawyers were seen entering the venue, indicating the defendants have legal representation.”_
– From October Arrests to Coup Case*l: _”The court-martial follows the October 2025 arrest of about 16 senior and junior officers for alleged indiscipline. Military investigators later concluded that some had cases to answer over an alleged plot to overthrow the constitutional government, prompting the decision to try them by court-martial.”_
– Civilians, Retirees in FHC Dock: _”In a parallel track, the Federal Government has already arraigned civilian suspects and retired military personnel at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the same alleged plot. The defendants, including a retired Major General and a serving police officer, face treason and terrorism charges. All pleaded not guilty and were remanded pending bail hearings.”_
– Split Jurisdiction Strategy: _”The dual proceedings highlight the military’s approach: serving personnel face court-martial, while civilians and retirees are tried in civilian courts.”_
Details of Friday’s court/martial proceedings not available as at time of filing this report
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