Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has challenged the jurisdiction of a military court hearing alleged coup charges, arguing the Armed Forces of Nigeria lacks legal authority to prosecute him.
The second accused in the alleged coup and mutiny trial involving 36 persons, Col Mohammed Ma’aji, has challenged the jurisdiction of the Defence Headquarters Garrison General Court Martial sitting in Abuja.
Ma’aji urged the tribunal to dismiss the charges, arguing that the military court lacked the authority to hear the case.
“The complainant (Armed Force of Nigeria) is not a juristic person and thereby lacks the requisite competence to initiate and prosecute the criminal proceedings,” he stated in his objection.
He also argued that allegations of plotting to overthrow the government did not amount to mutiny under the Armed Forces Act.
The defence maintained that the charges related more to offences against the Nigerian state than military discipline.
Meanwhile, a prosecution witness in a related Federal High Court trial alleged that Ma’aji threatened to force entry into the Presidential Villa “even if there would be bloodshed.”
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned proceedings until May 21.
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