The Nigerian armed forces have initiated a large-scale military procedure. On Friday, April 24, a general court martial was established in Abuja to judge 36 active-duty officers suspected of being involved in an attempted overthrow of power.
According to a military spokesperson, the judges were sworn in on the same day the proceedings began. The hearings will take place behind closed doors, in a framework presented by the army as conforming to the “strictest standards of fairness.”
The accused have been transferred to a secure military facility in the Nigerian capital.
A Long-Contested Coup Case
This judicial procedure is part of a sensitive case, initially denied by authorities before an official reversal. The armed forces ultimately admitted in January to thwarting a coup plot aimed at overthrowing the government.
Initially, Abuja had dismissed any destabilization attempt. But several military and government sources had confirmed at the time the existence of a nascent conspiracy.
The shift in official discourse comes in a country marked by a history of political instability.
Parallel Trials for Treason and Terrorism
In addition to the court martial, a separate procedure is underway before the High Court in Abuja. Six civilian and retired military suspects have pleaded not guilty to charges of treason and terrorism.
They are suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to “make war on the state” and intimidate federal authorities. Among them are former officers and senior officials.
Judicial documents also mention presumed links with other individuals, including a former oil minister who has denied any involvement.
A Country Marked by a History of Coups
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, remains deeply influenced by its military past. Several decades of coups and military regimes led to the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Since then, the country has been working to consolidate its democracy, despite persistent security tensions and recurring regional instability.
This new case comes at a sensitive political juncture, as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, with President Bola Tinubu already preparing his re-election strategy.
A Case with High Political and Security Stakes
Beyond the legal aspect, this alleged coup attempt raises questions about the cohesion of the Nigerian armed forces and the institutional stability of the country.
Between the transparency claimed by the military and proceedings conducted behind closed doors, the case appears to be a significant test for Nigerian institutions.
