The Nigerian Army has postponed the ruling of the General Court Martial (GCM) hearing the alleged coup plot case involving some military officers accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. The ruling, which had earlier been scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has now been moved to Monday, October 5, 2026. This marks the fourth time the ruling has been deferred, further delaying the conclusion of the military trial.
The notice of postponement was issued to members of the court and other concerned parties by Major MU Ardo, identified as the Liaison Officer. The new sitting is scheduled to commence at 10am at the Scorpion Officers' Mess, Asokoro, Abuja. The Army did not disclose the reason for the latest postponement in the notice, simply stating that "any inconvenience caused is highly regretted."
The GCM is trying Nigerian military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Tinubu. The court is set to deliver its ruling on the admissibility of statements allegedly obtained from the accused officers amid allegations that officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) coerced some of them into making or reproducing false statements.
The trial-within-a-trial was conducted over several weeks after defence lawyers objected to the admission of statements tendered by the prosecution. The defence argued that the statements did not meet the legal requirements for admissibility, alleging, among other things, that lawyers or witnesses chosen by the accused officers were not present when the statements were taken.
During the trial-within-a-trial, the prosecution presented evidence aimed at establishing that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure. However, some of the accused officers gave evidence disputing this account and stating that they were subjected to coercion, intimidation, inducement and physical abuse by officials of the DIA.
According to testimony presented during the proceedings, some of the officers stated that they were led to believe that making particular statements would secure their release from detention. The officers further explained that statements had already been prepared by intelligence officials and that they were subsequently compelled to reproduce or sign the documents, despite having no knowledge of some of the matters contained in them.
The General Court Martial is presided over by Air Vice Marshal H. I. Alhaji (NAF/2211). The proceedings are being held at the Scorpion Officers' Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. Key points include the fourth postponement of the ruling, allegations of coercion by DIA officials, and the trial-within-a-trial conducted to determine the admissibility of statements.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army has postponed the ruling on the alleged coup plot case for the fourth time, citing no reason for the delay.
- The trial-within-a-trial was conducted to determine whether statements made by the accused officers were obtained voluntarily and can be admitted as evidence.
- Allegations of coercion, intimidation, inducement, and physical abuse by DIA officials have been made by some of the accused officers.
