ABUJA – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) to try 36 serving military personnel implicated in a foiled plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The inauguration, held Friday at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, follows months of high-level investigations into a security breach that first came to light in October 2025. While the military initially described the detentions as probes into “acts of indiscipline,” a formal statement issued on January 26, 2026, confirmed that the suspects were being held for a “mutiny aimed at overthrowing the government of the day.”
From Investigation to Trial
The 36 defendants, reportedly transported to the venue under heavy security in a luxury bus, include a mix of senior and junior officers. According to investigative reports, the group includes a Brigadier General, several Lieutenant Colonels, and Majors. They are accused of conspiring to “levy war against the State” and failing to report treasonous intentions to the authorities.
The DHQ’s Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, emphasized that the trial is a necessary step in maintaining the “highest standards of discipline and accountability” within the Armed Forces.
”The inauguration marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline and the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority,” Uba stated.
Legal Framework and Transparency
The military has assured the public and the international community that the proceedings will adhere to the Armed Forces Act. Under this legal framework, the charges—which include mutiny and treason—carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death sentence, subject to presidential confirmation.
Despite the sensitive nature of the national security evidence, which may lead to some sessions being held behind closed doors, the DHQ maintained that the trial would be conducted with “fairness, impartiality, and strict adherence to due process.”
Background of the Breach
The case is linked to a broader investigation led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye. While 16 officers were initially targeted, the scope of the arrests widened as investigators uncovered a network that allegedly involved both serving personnel and civilians. Earlier this week, the Federal Government filed related charges of treason and terrorism against several civilians and retired officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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The trial is widely seen by analysts as a firm signal from the current administration that any threat to Nigeria’s 27-year democratic stretch will be met with the full weight of military and constitutional law.
