Allegations of inhumane treatment, lack of fair hearing and secrecy have sparked outrage over the ongoing General Court Martial of 36 military officers in Abuja over alleged coup-related offences.
The General Court Martial convened by Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters in Abuja has sparked outrage following allegations of inhumane treatment of detained military officers, denial of fair hearing and exclusion of family members from proceedings. No fewer than 36 officers standing trial over alleged coup-related offences were reportedly brought before the court in leg chains, with some said to be showing visible signs of physical abuse, untreated infections and deteriorating health conditions. The trial, which commenced at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro under tight security, is being conducted with access restricted to authorised personnel.
Sources familiar with the proceedings described the atmosphere inside the military court as “deeply disturbing,” alleging some of the accused struggled to stand during sessions due to untreated wounds and prolonged detention under harsh conditions. Controversy also deepened over claims that the court-martial panel refused to disqualify certain officers accused by defendants of involvement in torture during investigations. “The same individuals accused of supervising or enabling torture are now part of the system determining the fate of these officers. That raises serious questions about justice and impartiality,” a source told SaharaReporters.
Official documents showed the court martial was convened by Major General AM Alechenu, Commander of the Defence Headquarters Garrison, under the Armed Forces Act, and is chaired by Air Vice Marshal HI Alhaji alongside senior officers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. Family members of the accused have reportedly been barred from attending the proceedings, raising concerns over transparency and constitutional safeguards, while critics say the allegations surrounding the conduct of the trial have intensified scrutiny of the military justice process.
READ THE FULL STORY IN SAHARA REPORTERS