SUNTV Global Channel | April 19, 2026
The is facing growing backlash over plans to court-martial officers accused of plotting a coup, amid allegations of secrecy, denial of legal access, and lack of transparency in the process.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that the trial is expected to commence soon, with the detained officers already transferred to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison in for proceedings.
Families of the accused officers have raised serious concerns, alleging they have been left completely in the dark since the arrests nearly seven months ago. According to them, there has been no official communication from military authorities, while both family members and legal representatives have been denied access to the detainees.
Relatives argue that the planned court-martial lacks fairness, insisting that the same institution bringing the accusations is also overseeing the investigation and trial. They are calling for the case to be transferred to a civilian court where proceedings can be conducted openly and independently.
The controversy deepened following reports that the military intends to conduct the hearings in a staggered and restricted manner, allegedly preventing the accused officers from choosing their own lawyers and barring family attendance.
Critics say the move raises serious questions about due process and accountability, with some describing it as an attempt to control both the narrative and outcome of the trial.
The detained officers were initially arrested in October 2025 over alleged indiscipline and breaches of military regulations. However, authorities later claimed the investigation uncovered a wider plot to destabilise the government of President .
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, , had earlier disclosed that he was among top officials allegedly targeted in the supposed coup plot, claiming he could have been arrested or even killed.
Despite these claims, concerns persist over inconsistencies in official statements and the continued delay in initiating a transparent trial.
Earlier this month, wives of some of the detained officers staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding either the immediate release of their husbands or a fair and open judicial process.
Carrying placards and dressed in black, the protesters called for justice, insisting that if credible evidence exists, the officers should be tried in a public court — or released without further delay.
As pressure mounts, observers warn that the handling of the case could have significant implications for public trust in military justice and the rule of law in Nigeria.
