General court martial to try 36 serving, retired officers over alleged mutiny

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) to try 36 serving military personnel over an alleged mutiny aimed at overthrowing the government of the day.

The DHQ said the trial is in furtherance of its statement issued on 26 January 2026, which dwelt on the subject.

Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement, said, “The inauguration marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability and the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority. Proceedings of the court will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and strict adherence to due process, guaranteeing that justice will be served without fear or favour. All cases will be addressed within the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system.”

He said: “The DHQ remains resolute in upholding professionalism, discipline and the rule of law while ensuring that the rights of all personnel are respected and the tenets of fair hearing upheld.”

The GCM, which is holding at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, is headed by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji as president and Lieutenant Colonel A. Mohammed as judge advocate. Other members of the GCM include Major Generals U.T. Opuene, I.B. Abubakar, N.U.C. Ogili, S.A. Emmanuel, and F.U. Mijinyawa; Rear Admirals D.M. Ndanusa and M.K. Igwe; as well as Air Vice Marshals M.A. Isah and A.O. Kotun. Air Vice Marshal M.M. Omar is listed as the waiting member.