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 barred journalists from gaining access to the venue of a high-profile court-martial involving 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The court-martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated under heavy security at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and public interest surrounding the case, proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, raising fresh concerns about transparency within Nigeria’s military justice system.
Meanwhile, Journalists were denied entry into the premises. Security operatives mounted at the venue turned back media personnel without explanation, effectively shutting out press coverage of the trial.
In addition to restricting access, security officials prohibited the use of mobile phones and other recording devices around the facility.
SaharaReporters on Thursday exclusively reported that the Defence Headquarters had formally convened a General Court Martial (GCM) to try a large number of military personnel across the Nigerian Armed Forces for alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
The case represents one of the most extensive military trials in recent years.
According to an official convening order issued on April 17, 2026 from the Defence Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, and exclusively sighted by SaharaReporters, the court martial was established under the authority of 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, officially announced the convening of the General Court Martial (GCM), adding that it “is to assemble at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja on 23 April 26 for the purpose of conducting the trial of the accused persons listed…”
The order mandates military police, naval police, air police, and guards brigade personnel to secure the venue.
It further stipulates strict access control measures.
“No one is allowed to carry weapon into the court room,” it states, adding, “All unauthorised phones, devices and gadgets are not allowed within and around the court premises.”
According to the document, “Only the court guards are allowed to carry arms around the court premises on every day of proceedings.”
The document noted that search operations will be conducted on all participants before entry, while accused persons will remain in custody under escort.
The 36 officers slated to face trial by court martial include: 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);
