Coup Plot: FG Yet to Decide on Trial Process for Offenders

Coup Plot: FG Yet to Decide on Trial Process for Offenders
Military favours court-martial, Presidency reportedly cautious.
Justice Ministry cites jurisdiction concerns under civilian rule.

The Federal Government has yet to issue directives on how to prosecute military officers accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu, amid uncertainty over whether they should face a court-martial or be arraigned in a civilian court.

According to sources, the delay is linked to concerns about the appropriate legal framework, given that the alleged offence occurred under a democratic government rather than a military regime, where such cases were typically handled internally.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, had earlier stated that the suspects would be arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other service regulations. However, no formal proceedings have commenced.

Senior military officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the delay was due to indecision at the highest levels. While military leadership reportedly favours a court-martial for the indicted officers, there are indications that the Presidency is weighing whether a civilian court would be more appropriate.

One officer at the Defence Headquarters said the military was awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court-martial panel.

“We are waiting for the President’s directive on the constitution of the court-martial panel. The DHQ had earlier announced that the indicted officers would be court-martialled in line with our rules. But there are some people, including government officials at the federal level, arguing that a court martial is not appropriate,” he said.

He added that civilians implicated in the case would be prosecuted in a regular court.

A senior officer at the Nigerian Army headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and that arraignment would take place soon, though he could not confirm the forum for trial.

FG Yet to Decide on Trial Process for Coup Offenders

Meanwhile, a senior official at the Federal Ministry of Justice said the Attorney General’s office had not reached a final decision. He described the situation as complex, noting that it was the first alleged coup attempt under a civilian administration and required careful consideration of jurisdictional issues.