Federal Government Faces Jurisdictional Dilemma in Coup Plot Trial
The Nigerian Federal Government remains in a state of indecision regarding the appropriate judicial venue for trying military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration. Senior officials have confirmed that confusion over whether to proceed with court-martial proceedings or civilian court arraignment has effectively stalled the trial process, with the final decision resting squarely on presidential directive.
Arrests and Initial Military Position
In October 2025, Nigerian military authorities arrested sixteen senior officers including a Brigadier General, Naval officer, and Air Force personnel. While initially denying any connection to coup plotting, the Defence Headquarters reversed this position on January 26, confirming the arrests were indeed linked to an alleged conspiracy against Tinubu's government. Alongside these military personnel, approximately twenty-four civilians were also detained in connection with the same alleged plot.
Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, had previously stated that the suspects would face trial before "relevant military judicial panels" in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and service regulations. This announcement created expectations of swift military justice proceedings against the accused officers.
Silence and Growing Uncertainty
Since the Defence Headquarters' initial announcement, there has been complete silence regarding the actual trial process. Senior military officers speaking anonymously to Saturday PUNCH revealed that the delay stems directly from uncertainty over the appropriate judicial forum. One officer explained, "We are waiting for the President's directive on the constitution of the court-martial panel. While the DHQ announced court-martial proceedings initially, some government officials at federal level are now arguing this approach is inappropriate."
The officer clarified that only military personnel would potentially face court-martial, while civilians would definitely be tried in regular civilian courts. Another senior officer at Army headquarters confirmed investigations had concluded and arraignment would occur "very soon", though he admitted uncertainty about which court would ultimately handle the military cases.
Ministry of Justice Confirms Confusion
A senior official at the Federal Ministry of Justice confirmed that the Attorney General's office has not yet determined the trial venue, describing the situation as "confusion". He noted this case presents unique challenges as it represents the first alleged coup attempt under a civilian government, unlike previous attempts during military regimes where court-martial proceedings were standard.
"Nothing has been concluded," the official stated. "The AG's office is central to determining the trial venue, whether military or civilian court. We cannot rush to any court without first establishing proper jurisdiction to handle this sensitive matter."
Presidential Authority and Family Appeals
The final decision on trial venue appears to rest exclusively with President Tinubu in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Until presidential direction is provided, the legal fate of the alleged coup plotters remains suspended in uncertainty.
Meanwhile, family members of the sixteen detained military officers have reportedly appealed to authorities for leniency. According to Daily Trust reports, families have reached out to top political figures at the seat of power, urging the presidency to "temper justice with mercy" in this matter. The officers have been in detention since October 2025 awaiting trial, with military leadership having previously declared them guilty of the alleged offences.
The jurisdictional confusion highlights the complex legal terrain surrounding military justice in a democratic context, with government officials grappling with unprecedented questions about appropriate judicial procedures for alleged coup plotting under civilian rule.
