The long-anticipated General Court Martial (GCM) to try a total of 36 serving officers on allegations bordering on attempt to oust President Bola Tinubu, was inaugurated yesterday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja.
Saturday Telegraph reports that the development followed the issuance of the appropriate Convening Order, which serves as the official instrument/seal for the commencement of trial.
Reports of the alleged coup plot “rent the air” sometimes in October 2025, but received validation in January 2026, in a statement released by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). Saturday Telegraph recalls that the inauguration comes 48 hours after a “component” not captured under the Armed Forces Act (AFA), was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
There were indications that the suspects/accused officers were driven into Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, venue of the GCM’s sitting at about 9am under a security environment that was described by insiders as “watertight”.
The DHQ confirmed the inauguration GCM in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Samaila Uba. It read thus: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has today 24 April 2026, inaugurated a General Court Martial to try 36 serving military personnel over alleged mutiny, aimed at overthrowing the government of the day.
“This is in furtherance of the DHQ’s statement issued on 26 January 2026 which dwelled on the subject.” General Uba further added that “The inauguration marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability and the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority.
“Proceedings of the court will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and strict adherence to due process guaranteeing that justice will be served without fear or favour.
“All cases will be addressed within extant legal frameworks of the military justice system. “The DHQ remains resolute in upholding professionalism, discipline and the rule of law while ensuring that the rights of all personnel are respected and the tenets of fair hearing upheld”.
