Coup trial: Again, court martial defers ruling

The General Court Martial handling the alleged coup plot case involving military officers has once again postponed its ruling on the admissibility of statements made by the accused. The ruling, initially set for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has now been rescheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026. The court is presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I.

Alhaji and held at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Abuja. The notice, signed by Maj. M.U. Ardo, did not provide reasons for the delay but expressed regret over the inconvenience caused. This marks the fourth time the ruling has been postponed. The ruling aims to determine whether statements allegedly obtained from the accused officers can be used as evidence in the trial.

The defense challenged the admissibility, arguing that some officers were coerced by Defense Intelligence Agency officials into making false statements. The defense also questioned the conditions under which the statements were made, alleging lack of proper caution, inadequate rights information, and absence of video recordings.

The prosecution countered with evidence suggesting voluntary statement-making. The latest postponement further delays the court's decision on the contentious issue of evidence in the military coup plot trial.