Journalists were on Friday denied access to the venue of a high-profile court-martial involving 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The trial, convened by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated under heavy security at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the significant public interest surrounding the case, proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, raising concerns over transparency in Nigeria’s military justice system.
Security operatives not only barred journalists from accessing the venue but also prohibited the use of mobile phones and other recording devices within the vicinity.
The case is regarded as one of the largest military trials in recent years, involving officers across various ranks.
Those facing trial include Brigadier General MA Sadiq; Colonels MA Ma’aji; Lieutenant Colonels IM Hussain, M Almakura, P Dangnap, S Bappah, AA Hayatu and SM Gana.
Others are Wing Commander IU Yusuf; Majors MM Jiddah, H Yusuf, AD Dauda, JM Ganaks, D Yusuf, J Iliyasu, MA Usman, A Mohammed and II Idris; Lieutenant Commander DB Abdullahi; Squadron Leaders SB Adamu and NG Zuzu; Captains G Binuga, I Bello, AA Yusuf, IU Zubair and ML Muhammad; and Lieutenant SS Felix.
Also listed are Warrant Officer Nasiru Ibrahim; Staff Sergeant Abdul Abdullahi; Sergeants Alhassan Zakari, Sanda Usman and Abubakar Ibrahim; Corporals Momoh Audu and Aliyu Ibrahim; as well as Lance Corporals Sambo Danladi and Nasiru Yushau.
The closed nature of the proceedings has sparked renewed debate about accountability and openness in the handling of sensitive military matter.
