The military has barred journalists from covering the trial of alleged coup plotters, as confusion marred the inauguration of the Court Martial on Friday. Journalists invited to cover the event at the Scorpion Officers Mess were repeatedly asked to move locations and eventually ordered to leave the premises.
Journalists Chased Out
A few journalists, including a reporter from The Guardian, were invited to cover the inauguration but were constantly redirected upon arrival. A bus carrying the alleged coupists arrived at about 8:53 am, after which the journalists were ordered to vacate the venue. The Guardian gathered that 36 officers were brought in for what is likely to be a secret trial, and a statement is expected after the inauguration.
Background of the Alleged Coup Plot
In October 2025, 16 senior officers were arrested for what the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) termed indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Initially, the military denied coup rumors, attributing the arrests to grievances over promotion failures and career stagnation. A DHQ statement described the officers' conduct as incompatible with military standards, noting that some were already under jurisdiction for various offenses.
However, in January 2026, the military admitted a failed coup plot, stating that a comprehensive investigation had been concluded. The investigation found some officers had cases to answer for plotting to overthrow the government. The report was forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
Indicted Officers
A list of indicted officers went viral on social media, which the military neither denied nor confirmed. The officers are:
- Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
- Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
- Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah
- Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu
- Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan
- Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
- Major A. J. Ibrahim
- Major M. M. Jiddah
- Major M. A. Usman
- Major D. Yusuf
- Major I. Dauda
- Captain I. Bello
- Captain A. A. Yusuf
- Lieutenant S. S. Felix
- Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi
- Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu
The military has not commented on the leaked list, and the trial proceedings remain shrouded in secrecy.
