Dare Babalola
Journalists invited to cover the inauguration of a court martial for officers accused of plotting a coup were on Friday denied access to the trial venue at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess.
Confusion marked the early hours of the proceedings as reporters were repeatedly directed to move between different locations within the premises shortly after arrival.
The situation escalated when a bus conveying the accused officers arrived at about 8:53 a.m., after which security personnel ordered all journalists to vacate the venue.
Sources indicated that about 36 military personnel were brought before the court martial, in what observers believe may be a closed-door trial. It was also gathered that an official statement is expected to be released after the inauguration.
The case traces back to October 2025, when 16 senior officers were arrested over what the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) described as acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations.
At the time, military authorities dismissed speculation about a coup attempt, attributing the unrest among the affected officers to frustrations over repeated failures in promotion examinations and perceived stagnation in their careers.
The DHQ also noted that some of the officers were already facing disciplinary procedures for separate offences.
However, the military later revised its position in January 2026, confirming that a failed coup plot had indeed been uncovered following a comprehensive investigation conducted in line with established procedures.
According to the DHQ, the probe identified several officers with cases to answer over alleged plans to overthrow the government.
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel,” the statement read.
“The findings have identified a number of the 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.”
Subsequently, a list of officers allegedly implicated in the plot surfaced on social media, although the military has neither confirmed nor denied its authenticity.
Those named include Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah, Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu, Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan, Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura, Major A. J. Ibrahim, Major M. M. Jiddah, Major M. A. Usman, and Major D. Yusuf.
Others are Major I. Dauda, Captain I. Bello, Captain A. A. Yusuf, Lieutenant S. S. Felix, Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi, and Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu.
