Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has formally inaugurated a General Court Martial to try 36 military personnel accused of involvement in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. 

The proceedings began on Friday at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under an atmosphere of tight security, marking what analysts describe as one of the most significant military trials in the country in recent years.

The session was held entirely behind closed doors. Accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations were denied entry, and security operatives barred the use of mobile phones within and around the venue. The 36 defendants arrived at approximately 8:53 a.m., transported in a bus belonging to the Army Headquarters Garrison. Several civil lawyers were observed arriving ahead of the inauguration, indicating that some of the accused had secured legal representation.

The court martial was established under the authority of the Armed Forces Act and convened through an order signed by Major General AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison. The case traces back to October 2025, when approximately 16 serving military officers were first arrested over what the DHQ described as acts of indiscipline and breaches of service rules.

The Defence Headquarters formally confirmed the existence of a coup plot in January 2026, stating that investigations had found certain personnel culpable.

The military trial is running alongside separate civilian court proceedings. The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, brought six suspects including two retired senior military officers and a police inspector before the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 22, facing 13 counts including conspiracy, attempted treason, terrorism financing, and money laundering.

The proceedings have not been without controversy. Families of the detained officers have raised concerns over secrecy, denial of access to legal counsel, and questions around due process. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has also publicly called on the Federal Government to halt the general court martial, arguing the suspects should face trial in an open court. The dual-track approach military tribunal for serving personnel and civilian prosecution for retired officers and non-military suspects is likely to sustain public debate as the trial progresses.