The Nigerian military on Friday formally inaugurated a general court martial to prosecute officers alleged to be involved in an attempted coup, marking the commencement of internal disciplinary and judicial proceedings.

The accused personnel were escorted under heavy security to the venue of the sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro at approximately 8:53 a.m.

Journalists were denied access to the courtroom as proceedings commenced behind closed doors, while several legal practitioners were observed arriving ahead of the session, indicating legal representation for the accused officers.

The development signals the beginning of the military’s formal trial process following months of investigation into the alleged conspiracy.

The case dates back to October 2025, when about 16 serving military personnel, comprising both senior and junior officers, were initially arrested on allegations of indiscipline. Subsequent internal investigations reportedly indicated that some of the officers had matters to answer in relation to an alleged plot to unlawfully remove the constitutional government, leading to their referral for court martial proceedings.

More than 30 accused officers were transported to the venue in a large passenger bus under tight security arrangements.

In a parallel judicial process, the federal government had earlier arraigned civilian suspects and retired military officers before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the same alleged conspiracy. Among those charged were a retired major general and a serving police officer, with allegations bordering on treason and terrorism. All defendants pleaded not guilty.

The court ordered that they remain in custody pending determination of their bail applications.

The parallel proceedings reflect a dual track justice approach, with serving military personnel being tried through court martial mechanisms, while civilians and retired officers face prosecution in civilian courts.

Further details of the court martial proceedings were not available at the time of filing this report.