Not less than 36 serving military officers accused of plotting a coup against Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will be arraigned before a General Court Martial (GCM) on Friday, following the convening of a military trial panel by the Defence Headquarters.
Although the Defence Headquarters has not publicly announced the move, Sahara Reporters reported that the GCM will assemble at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja on 23 April, according to a convening order signed by AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison.
The court martial, described as one of the largest in recent years, was established through an official convening order dated April 17, 2026, issued from the Defence Headquarters Garrison at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.
According to Sahara Reporters, the order signed by Major General A.M. Alechenu established the tribunal under the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, mandating it to proceed with the trial of the listed accused persons. The directive further stated that proceedings will begin on April 23, 2026, at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
The panel is made up of senior officers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting a joint-service judicial composition. It is headed by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji, with other members including major generals, rear admirals, and air vice marshals.
A Judge Advocate, Lt. Col. A. Mohammed, has been appointed to provide legal guidance throughout the proceedings. The structure also includes prosecuting officers from all three services, liaison officers, a technical team, supervising officers, and a court secretariat.
The development represents one of the most extensive military disciplinary proceedings in recent times, coming amid ongoing investigations into alleged efforts to destabilise the state. The court-martial is expected to hear multiple cases as the military moves to enforce discipline and maintain constitutional order.
