Military Begins Closed-Door Trial of 36 Alleged Coup Plotters, Bars Journalists

Trial Starts Behind Closed Doors in Abuja

Nigeria’s military has begun prosecuting 36 serving and retired officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government — and it is doing so out of public view. When journalists arrived at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, as early as 8am on Friday, they were turned back at the gate by operatives who said there was “no order to allow the media to cover” the proceedings.

The defendants arrived at around 8:55am in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus, followed closely by a Defence Intelligence Agency detention vehicle. They have been in military custody since October last year, when the alleged plot was first uncovered.

Lawyers Cry Foul Over ‘Secret Trial’

Senior lawyers, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, have wasted no time challenging the closed-door format. They described the proceedings as “illegal,” arguing that the Nigerian constitution guarantees fair hearing and that the Armed Forces Act specifically provides for the principle of open trials in court martial proceedings.

The criticism adds a legal dimension to what is already a politically sensitive case. The military’s decision to restrict press access stands in contrast to the Federal Government’s civilian prosecution, which has proceeded in open court. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Monday, April 27 for the commencement of the civilian treason trial, which includes former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva — still at large.

Who Is Being Tried

The military officers facing court martial include Brigadier General M. A. Sadiq, and a string of colonels, lieutenant colonels, wing commanders and majors. While the military initially disclosed only 16 arrests in October, Daily Trust reports that more than 30 officers were sighted aboard the transport vehicle on Friday.

The six civilians arraigned before the Federal High Court — who all pleaded not guilty to 13-count treason charges — are being tried in a separate but parallel process. Nigeria now has two simultaneous legal tracks running for the same alleged plot: one military, one civilian, and one open to the press while the other is not.

Sources: Daily Trust, ThisDay