Tinubu : Military Trial Set for Alleged Coup Plotters Following Investigation Conclusion
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that military personnel implicated in a purported coup attempt will face trial before a military judicial panel. This follows an extensive investigation into allegations of misconduct among several military officers.
The DHQ confirmed that the inquiry into the alleged coup plot, which involved 16 officers ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, has concluded. The findings, which indicate serious breaches of conduct, have been forwarded to the relevant authorities for action.
Major General Samaila Uba, the new Director of Defence Information, emphasized that the accused officers will be held accountable in accordance with military regulations, ensuring fairness and due process.
In October 2025, the Defence Intelligence Agency arrested the officers amid claims of secret meetings aimed at undermining the government, coinciding with the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
Initially dismissed as a distraction, the investigation revealed that some officers had infiltrated the Presidential Villa, conducting surveillance and identifying vulnerabilities in security.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed trust in the military to handle the situation judiciously. Security officials confirmed that the investigation has been thorough, with steps taken to prevent future breaches, particularly regarding contractor access to sensitive areas.
A pro-democracy group, Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria, has raised alarms about the health and welfare of the detained officers. They have urged the government to provide adequate medical attention and grant family visitation rights.
The group calls for a fair judicial process, appealing for either the release of the officers if no solid case exists or their prompt arraignment.
As the military prepares to move forward with trials for those implicated in the alleged coup plot, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining discipline within the armed forces while also addressing humanitarian concerns raised by advocates for the detained officers.
