No fewer than 16 serving officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces are set to face court-martial amid accusations of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Under military law, such charges carry severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The action follows the conclusion of a comprehensive military investigation into allegations of a coup attempt, which reportedly began with a series of arrests in October 2025. The detained officers, ranging from the rank of captain to brigadier-general, have been in custody under the auspices of the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Major-General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the investigative panel has completed its work and submitted its findings to higher authorities. He stated that the officers with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before a military judicial panel according to the Armed Forces Act and related regulations.
Uba emphasized that the investigation adhered to military procedures and thoroughly considered the actions of the personnel involved, deeming them inconsistent with the expected ethics and standards of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The military has opted for transparency about the findings to promote accountability while ensuring fairness.
Retired military officers highlighted the seriousness of the charges, asserting that attempted coups are capital offenses in Nigeria, with the ultimate punishment being death unless mitigated by presidential clemency.
Retired officers General Bashir Adewinbi and Major Bashir Galma reinforced that a successful coup attempt typically leads to the death penalty, given the gravity of the offense within military law. They underscored that, aside from the president’s discretion, the implicated officers face substantial consequences.
General Adewinbi remarked, “A coup is a criminal offense in the military, and there are penalties for it.” He noted that the initial denial of allegations allowed the military to conduct a thorough investigation. The conclusion of this investigation now implies accountability for the involved parties.
Both retired officers called for specialized courts to handle such cases, arguing that this approach is essential for addressing terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, reinforcing the military’s duty to protect the democratic principles in the country. They asserted that the military must act decisively against any attempts to undermine the democracy currently enjoyed in Nigeria.
