Alleged Coup Plotters
By Victory Oghene
Journalists were barred from from gaining access to the venue of a high-profile court-martial involving 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu by armed security operatives on Friday.
The court-martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated under heavy security at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and public interest surrounding the case, proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, raising fresh concerns about transparency within Nigeria’s military justice system.
In addition to restricting Journalists access, security officials prohibited the use of mobile phones and other recording devices around the facility.
The case represents one of the most extensive military trials in recent years.
The 36 officers slated to face trial by court martial include: Brigadier General MA Sadiq (N/10321); Colonel MA Ma’aji (N/10668); Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain (N/12225); Lieutenant Colonel M Almakura (N/12983); Lieutenant Colonel P Dangnap (N/13025); Lieutenant Colonel S Bappah (N/13036); Lieutenant Colonel AA Hayatu (N/13038); and Lieutenant Colonel SM Gana (N/13857).
Others are Wing Commander IU Yusuf (NAF/3117); Major MM Jiddah (N/13003); Major H Yusuf (N/13877); Major AD Dauda (N/14394); Major JM Ganaks (N/14363); Major D Yusuf (N/14753); and Major J Iliyasu (N/14837).
Also listed are Major MA Usman (N/15404); Major A Mohammed (N/15769); Major II Idris (N/16185); Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi (NN/3289); Squadron Leader SB Adamu (NAF/3481); Squadron Leader NG Zuzu (NAF/3617); Captain G Binuga (N/16722); Captain I Bello (N/16266); Captain AA Yusuf (N/16724); Captain IU Zubair (N/17646); Captain ML Muhammad (N/18445); and Lieutenant SS Felix (N/18105).
The remaining accused are Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim (95NA/39/2281); Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi (99NA/48/126); Sergeant Alhassan Zakari (97NA/44/4394); Sergeant Sanda Usman (03NA/54/5529); Sergeant Abubakar Ibrahim (06NA/58/3829); Corporal Momoh Audu (96NA/41/1592); Corporal Aliyu Ibrahim (10NA/65/7797); Lance Corporal Sambo Danladi (16NA/75/634); and Lance Corporal Nasiru Yushau (16NA/75/5221).
