By The9JaTREND
No fewer than 36 officers who are currently standing trial over alleged coup-related offences were brought before the court in leg chains, with several of them displaying visible signs of physical abuse, including untreated infections and deteriorating health conditions.
It was learnt that the General Court Martial convened by Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has sparked an outrage following allegations of inhumane treatment of the detained military officers, denial of fair hearing, and total exclusion of family members from proceedings.
According to SaharaReporters, No fewer than 36 officers who are currently standing trial over alleged coup-related offences were brought before the court in leg chains, with several of them displaying visible signs of physical abuse, including untreated infections and deteriorating health conditions.
According to the GCM documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the members of the Court-martial are; Major General UT Opuene (N/10025), Major General IB Abubakar (N/10183) Major General NUC Ogili (N/10315), Major General SA Emmanuel (N/10361), Major General FU Mijinyawa (N/10396) and R Adm DM Ndanusa (NN/1895).
Others are; R Adm MK Igwe (NN/1929), AVM MA Isah (NAF/2272), AVM AO Kotun (NAF/2283) while the Waiting member is AVM MM Omar (NAF/2288) and the judge advocate is Lt Col A Mohammed (N/12687).
The GCM is headed by AVM H.I Alhaji.
Sources familiar with the proceedings described the atmosphere inside the military court as “deeply disturbing,” alleging that some of the accused officers struggled to stand during sessions due to untreated wounds and prolonged detention under harsh conditions.
The controversial trial, which commenced at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, is being conducted under tight security with access strictly limited to authorised personnel.
Family members of the accused have reportedly been barred from attending, raising serious concerns over transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions on fair trial.
Further fuelling the controversy, it was gathered that the court-martial panel refused to disqualify certain officers accused by the defendants of participating in acts of torture during the investigation phase of the alleged coup plot.
A source disclosed that “The same individuals accused of supervising or enabling torture are now part of the system determining the fate of these officers. That raises serious questions about justice and impartiality.”
According to the DHQ Garrison document, the prosecuting officers are; Lt Col JA Orumor (N/13069), Maj A Isa-Bello (N/15985), Sqn Ldr SO Nyimeone (NAF/3750), Lt LS Kadiri (NN/4986F), Col BA Oguniayo (rtd) Col KC Okoro (rtd) and Maj AFK Adasu (rtd).
The technical team comprises Lt Col CC Chima (N/12263) and Capt OE Ukpong (N/15791).
Official documents showed that the court martial was convened by Major General AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison, under the Armed Forces Act.
The panel is chaired by Air Vice Marshal HI Alhaji, alongside senior military officers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Among those standing trial are senior officers including Brigadier General MA Sadiq, Colonel MA Ma’aji, Lieutenant Colonel IM Hussain, and several others across different ranks.
The charges against the officers were not made public in the convening order, but sources indicate they are linked to an alleged coup conspiracy within the armed forces.
Despite provisions within the Armed Forces Act and the Constitution guaranteeing the right to legal representation, concerns have emerged over whether the accused officers have been granted adequate access to independent counsel of their choice.
The court proceedings are being conducted under strict administrative directives, including mandatory searches of all individuals entering the courtroom, prohibition of electronic devices, and heavy deployment of military police, naval police, and air force security personnel.
Medical personnel are officially assigned to certify the fitness of the accused before each sitting.
However, sources insist that this provision has not translated into actual medical care for visibly ill detainees.
“The presence of a medical officer means nothing if those in need of treatment are left to deteriorate in chains,” another source said.
The conditions described, if verified, could amount to violations of both Nigerian law and international conventions on the treatment of detainees.
The case has been adjourned to May 12, 2026, as pressure mounts on military authorities to address growing concerns over due process, humane treatment, and transparency in the high-stakes trial.
Source: SahareReporters