Coup trial: Again, court martial defers ruling

The General Court Martial presiding over the coup plot trial involving Nigerian military officers has once again delayed its ruling on the admissibility of statements made by the accused. Initially scheduled for September 30, 2026, the hearing has now been moved to October 5, 2026. The court, led by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji, convenes at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Abuja.

The notice from the court’s liaison officer, Major M.U. Ardo, did not provide a reason for the postponement but expressed regret over the disruption caused. This marks the fourth time the ruling has been postponed, and its determination is crucial for establishing the admissibility of potential evidence in the ongoing trial. The defense has challenged the admissibility of the statements, arguing that they were coerced by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The postponement further delays the court's decision on a key evidentiary issue in the military coup plot trial, which involves several officers accused of conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government.