Journalists Barred as Military Begins Trial of 36 Officers Over Alleged Coup Attempt

The court-martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated under heavy security at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Armed security operatives on Friday prevented journalists from accessing the venue of a high-profile court-martial involving 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu.

The court-martial, set up by the Defence Headquarters, commenced under tight security at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the strong public interest in the matter, proceedings were held behind closed doors, raising concerns about transparency within Nigeria’s military justice system.
Meanwhile, journalists were denied entry into the premises, as security operatives stationed at the venue turned back media personnel without providing any explanation, effectively preventing press coverage of the trial.
In addition to restricting access, officials also banned the use of mobile phones and other recording devices around the facility.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Defence Headquarters formally convened a General Court Martial (GCM) to try a large number of military personnel across the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
The case is considered one of the largest military trials in recent years.
According to an official convening order dated April 17, 2026, issued from the Defence Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, and obtained by SaharaReporters, the court martial was set up under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The order, signed by Major General AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison, confirmed that the General Court Martial would sit at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, from April 23, 2026, to try the listed accused persons.
It directed military police, naval police, air police, and Guards Brigade personnel to provide security at the venue, while also enforcing strict access control measures.
“No one is allowed to carry weapon into the court room,” the order stated, adding that “all unauthorised phones, devices and gadgets are prohibited within and around the court premises.”
It further clarified that only court guards are permitted to bear arms around the premises during proceedings.
The document also indicated that all individuals would be searched before gaining entry, while the accused officers would remain in custody under escort.
The 36 officers scheduled to stand trial include Brigadier General MA Sadiq, Colonel MA Ma’aji, Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain, Lieutenant Colonel M Almakura, Lieutenant Colonel P Dangnap, Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah, Lieutenant Colonel AA Hayatu, and Lieutenant Colonel SM Gana.
Others listed are Wing Commander IU Yusuf, Major MM Jiddah, Major H Yusuf, Major AD Dauda, Major JM Ganaks, Major D Yusuf, and Major J Iliyasu.
Also included are Major MA Usman, Major A Mohammed, Major II Idris, Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi, Squadron Leader SB Adamu, Squadron Leader NG Zuzu, Captain G Binuga, Captain I Bello, Captain AA Yusuf, Captain IU Zubair, and Captain ML Muhammad.