The Nigerian Armed Forces has inaugurated a general court-martial to try officers accused in an alleged coup plot, marking the formal commencement of proceedings.

The accused officers were brought under heavy security to the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, at about 8:53 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Journalists were, however, denied access to the courtroom as proceedings began behind closed doors, while several civilian lawyers were seen arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, indicating legal representation for the defendants.

The sitting signals the start of the military’s internal trial process following months of investigations into the alleged plot.

The case dates back to October 2025 when about 16 serving military personnel, including both senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline.

Subsequent investigations by military authorities reportedly uncovered allegations suggesting an attempt by some of the officers to overthrow the constitutional government, prompting the decision to subject them to a court-martial.