BREAKING: Coup Allegations Rock Nigeria as Military Begins Court Martial Proceedings

The Nigerian Military on Friday, inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The court-martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), was inaugurated at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security.

Due to the high-profile nature of the proceedings, the session was held behind closed doors as journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue.

Naija News gathered that security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 a.m.

The court-martial is expected to handle multiple cases involving personnel accused in connection with the alleged plot, as the military moves to enforce discipline and uphold constitutional order.

The list of 36 accused officers reportedly includes Brigadier General MA Sadiq (N/10321); Colonel MA Ma’aji (N/10668); Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain (N/12225); Lieutenant Colonel M Almakura (N/12983); Lieutenant Colonel P Dangnap (N/13025); Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah (N/13036); Lieutenant Colonel AA Hayatu (N/13038); and Lieutenant Colonel SM Gana (N/13857). Others are Wing Commander IU Yusuf (NAF/3117); Major MM Jiddah (N/13003); Major H Yusuf (N/13877); Major AD Dauda (N/14394); Major JM Ganaks (N/14363); Major D Yusuf (N/14753); and Major J Iliyasu (N/14837).

Also listed are Major MA Usman (N/15404); Major A Mohammed (N/15769); Major II Idris (N/16185); Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi (NN/3289); Squadron Leader SB Adamu (NAF/3481); Squadron Leader NG Zuzu (NAF/3617); Captain G Binuga (N/16722); Captain I Bello (N/16266); Captain AA Yusuf (N/16724); Captain IU Zubair (N/17646); Captain ML Muhammad (N/18445); and Lieutenant SS Felix (N/18105).

The remaining accused are Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim (95NA/39/2281); Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi (99NA/48/126); Sergeant Alhassan Zakari (97NA/44/4394); Sergeant Sanda Usman (03NA/54/5529); Sergeant Abubakar Ibrahim (06NA/58/3829); Corporal Momoh Audu (96NA/41/1592); Corporal Aliyu Ibrahim (10NA/65/7797); Lance Corporal Sambo Danladi (16NA/75/634); and Lance Corporal Nasiru Yushau (16NA/75/5221).

Although the specific charges were not disclosed, the convening order, as reported by Sahara Reporters, stated that “the charges are to be served on the accused persons individually.”

Naija News recalls that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had, in January, confirmed that some military officers were arrested over alleged coup plot against President Tinubu, acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, with some of them set to face trial before military judicial panels.

Recall that the federal government had also, on April 22, 2026, arraigned six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and overthrow the President.

The defendants are facing a 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy, attempt to commit treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, terrorism financing, and money laundering.

The charge was filed on Monday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.