Military To Court-martial Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot

Defence Headquarters says military officers involved in the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be formally arraigned before a military court following the conclusion of the investigation.

The Defence Headquarters, however, did not   provide a fixed date for the arraignment of the indicted officers.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Defence Headquarters, in October 2025, confirmed the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

This followed reports of a botched military coup attempt and the subsequent cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Monday said investigations into the matter had been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

He stated that the comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, had carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

According to him, the findings have identified some officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he said.

He explained that measures being taken were purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

Uba said that the Armed Forces remained resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.