The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that the trial of 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu will be conducted with fairness and strict adherence to due process.
The assurance followed the inauguration of a General Court Martial in Abuja to try the accused officers over alleged involvement in a failed coup plot.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the proceedings would comply fully with established legal standards guiding the military justice system.
“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,” he said.
Uba added that all cases would be handled within the provisions of existing military laws, stressing the Armed Forces’ commitment to discipline and accountability.
The suspects, numbering 36, were brought to the venue of the court martial at the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja early on Thursday under heavy security.
The trial, however, commenced behind closed doors at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, with journalists barred from the proceedings.
The military authorities said the inauguration of the court martial represents a significant step toward reinforcing discipline within the ranks and safeguarding national stability.
“All cases will be addressed within extant legal frameworks of the military justice system,” Uba said, adding that the rights of the accused personnel would be respected throughout the process.
The development follows the arrest of several officers in October 2025 over alleged acts of indiscipline and breaches of service rules, which were later linked to reports of a botched coup attempt.
The military reiterated its commitment to professionalism and the rule of law, assuring that the trial would uphold the principles of fair hearing while ensuring accountability among personnel.