The Defense Headquarters on Friday, set up a General Court-Martial to prosecute officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The accused officers arrived at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, the venue of the proceedings amid heavy security presence.
Newsmen were barred from accessing the courtroom, as the hearing started in camera.
The court-martial marks the start of formal internal proceedings by the military following several months of investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
The case unfolded in October 2025, when around 16 serving officers, both senior and junior officers were detained over alleged acts of indiscipline.
However, further investigations by military authorities later revealed that certain individuals among them had cases linked to an alleged attempt to overthrow the constitutional government, prompting their referral for court-martial.
More than 30 accused officer were brought in a “Marcopolo” luxurious bus.
Also, the Federal Government had earlier brought charges against a number of civilian suspects and retired military officers before a Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with the same alleged coup plot.
Among those facing trial are a retired Major General and a serving police officer, accused of offences bordering on treason and terrorism.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court subsequently ordered their remand in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.
However, the parallel trials highlight a dual approach, with serving military personnel being tried under military law, while civilians and retired officers face prosecution in civilian courts.
