The Defence Headquarters has officially set up a General Court Martial (GCM) to prosecute a large number of military personnel over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. The case is being described as one of the most extensive military trials in recent years.
According to a convening order issued on April 17, 2026, from the Defence Headquarters Garrison at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, the tribunal was established under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The order, signed by Major General AM Alechenu, confirmed that the court will sit at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, beginning April 23, 2026, to try the listed accused personnel.
The panel is composed of senior officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with Air Vice Marshal HI Alhaji serving as President. Other members include several Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Air Vice Marshals, while Lt Col A. Mohammed has been appointed as Judge Advocate to oversee legal proceedings.
A total of 36 military personnel are scheduled to face trial, ranging from a Brigadier General to junior ranks, including colonels, lieutenant colonels, majors, squadron leaders, captains, warrant officers, and non-commissioned officers across the armed forces.
Although specific charges were not detailed in the document, it confirmed that each accused individual will be formally served with charges and given the right to defence counsel of their choice. Where necessary, the military will assign legal representation at no cost.
The order also guarantees prosecution and defence the right to call witnesses in line with the Evidence Act 2023. However, strict procedural rules have been introduced, including mandatory search operations, a ban on weapons and electronic devices within the courtroom, and tight security deployment by military police and guard units.
Only authorised personnel will be allowed access to the venue, while accused persons will remain under custody and escort throughout proceedings. All officers are required to appear in designated military dress codes, and civilian lawyers must appear in formal robes.
Logistical arrangements such as accommodation, medical support, transport, and technical facilities have also been put in place for the tribunal, which will submit its final records within 60 days after conclusion of proceedings.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by families of the detained officers over alleged lack of transparency, limited access to legal counsel, and prolonged detention without communication since their arrest months ago. They have called for the matter to be transferred to a civilian court to ensure openness and fair trial standards.
In a related development, six suspects were recently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on treason-related charges connected to the alleged coup plot, with the government accusing them of attempting to “levy war against the state.” One additional suspect, former Minister Timipre Sylva, remains at large.
