The General Court Martial convened by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) will try 36 military personnel drawn from various ranks across the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The list of 36 accused officers includes Brigadier General MA Sadiq (N/10321); Colonel MA Ma’aji (N/10668); Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain (N/12225); Lieutenant Colonel M Almakura (N/12983); Lieutenant Colonel P Dangnap (N/13025); Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah (N/13036); Lieutenant Colonel AA Hayatu (N/13038); and Lieutenant Colonel SM Gana (N/13857). Others are Wing Commander IU Yusuf (NAF/3117); Major MM Jiddah (N/13003); Major H Yusuf (N/13877); Major AD Dauda (N/14394); Major JM Ganaks (N/14363); Major D Yusuf (N/14753); and Major J Iliyasu (N/14837).
Also listed are Major MA Usman (N/15404); Major A Mohammed (N/15769); Major II Idris (N/16185); Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi (NN/3289); Squadron Leader SB Adamu (NAF/3481); Squadron Leader NG Zuzu (NAF/3617); Captain G Binuga (N/16722); Captain I Bello (N/16266); Captain AA Yusuf (N/16724); Captain IU Zubair (N/17646); Captain ML Muhammad (N/18445); and Lieutenant SS Felix (N/18105).
The remaining accused are Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim (95NA/39/2281); Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi (99NA/48/126); Sergeant Alhassan Zakari (97NA/44/4394); Sergeant Sanda Usman (03NA/54/5529); Sergeant Abubakar Ibrahim (06NA/58/3829); Corporal Momoh Audu (96NA/41/1592); Corporal Aliyu Ibrahim (10NA/65/7797); Lance Corporal Sambo Danladi (16NA/75/634); and Lance Corporal Nasiru Yushau (16NA/75/5221).
Although the specific charges were not disclosed, the convening order seen by Sahara Reporters stated that “the charges are to be served on the accused persons individually.”
The order affirmed the rights of the accused to legal representation and a fair trial.
It stated, “Accused persons are entitled to defence counsel of their choice… Where an accused fails to secure a Defence Counsel, the Convening Authority will appoint one for him at no cost.”
It also noted that both prosecution and defence would be allowed to call witnesses in line with the Evidence Act, 2023.
Extensive security arrangements have been outlined for the proceedings at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
The order emphasised strict restrictions, stating, “No one is allowed to carry a weapon into the courtroom,” and that “all unauthorised phones, devices and gadgets are not allowed within and around the court premises.”
Only designated court guards will be permitted to bear arms within the vicinity.
Accused To Remain In Custody
According to the directive, all accused personnel will remain in custody under escort, while thorough search operations will be conducted on all participants before entry into the venue.
The Defence Headquarters also detailed logistics for the trial, including accommodation, transport, medical support, and technical arrangements.
All officers are required to appear in No. 4 dress, soldiers in No. 5 dress, while civilian lawyers must appear in robes.
The court-martial will operate under the Armed Forces Act, 2004, with strict timelines for documentation.
The order stated that the President of the panel must submit records of proceedings “not later than sixty days after conclusion of trial.”