Alleged Coup trial: Military shifts ruling to October 5

The General Court Martial presiding over the alleged coup plot trial has postponed its ruling on the admissibility of statements made by the accused military officers to Monday, October 5, 2026. This decision comes after the earlier set date of September 30, 2026 was also postponed. The court, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I.

Alhaji at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Abuja, expressed regret over the inconvenience caused. This is the fourth time the ruling has been deferred. The court is expected to decide whether statements allegedly obtained from the accused officers can be used as evidence in the ongoing trial. The defense has challenged the admissibility, claiming some officers were coerced by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The defense also raised issues about the lack of video recordings of the statements, proper cautioning, and the officers' rights being informed. The prosecution, however, argued the statements were made voluntarily. The ruling is crucial as it could determine the prosecution's ability to use these statements as evidence.