The Defence Headquarters has formally convened a General Court Martial (GCM) to try a large number of military personnel across the Nigerian Armed Forces for alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
The case represents one of the most extensive military trials in recent years.
According to an official convening order issued on April 17, 2026 from the Defence Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, the court martial was established under the authority of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The order, signed by Major General AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison, officially announced the convening of the General Court Martial (GCM), adding that it “is to assemble at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja on 23 Apr 26 for the purpose of conducting the trial of the accused persons listed…”
The panel is made up of senior officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting a tri-service judicial structure.
It is chaired by an Air Vice Marshal as President, with members including multiple Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Air Vice Marshals. A Judge Advocate, Lt Col. A. Mohammed, has been appointed to provide legal oversight.
Specifically, the court is presided over by Air Vice Marshal HI Alhaji as President, with its members comprising Major General UT Opuene, Major General IB Abubakar, Major General NUC Ogili, Major General SA Emmanuel, Major General FU Mijinyawa, Rear Admiral DM Ndanusa, Rear Admiral MK Igwe, Air Vice Marshal MA Isah, and Air Vice Marshal AO Kotun, while Air Vice Marshal MM Omar serves as the waiting member.
The convening order also designates supporting roles including a liaison officer, prosecuting officers from all three services, a technical team, supervising officers, and a court secretariat.
The court martial will try a broad list of personnel spanning senior and junior ranks. The accused include a Brigadier General, a Colonel, several Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, Squadron Leaders, Captains, Warrant Officers, and other non-commissioned officers.
The list of 36 accused officers includes 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).
