As the Military High Command Inaugurates a General Court Martial to try 36 senior officers indicted for alleged failed coup plotters, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that the proceedings of the court will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and strict adherence to due process guaranteeing that justice will be served without fear or favour.

In a statement on Friday, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, further assures that all cases will be addressed within extant legal frameworks of the military justice system.

Uba stated that the DHQ remains resolute in upholding professionalism, discipline and the rule of law while ensuring that the rights of all personnel are respected and the tenets of fair hearing upheld.

According to him, the 36 serving military personnel are being tried over alleged mutiny, aimed at overthrowing the government of the day.

He said the inauguration of the Court Martial marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability and the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority.

Earlier on Friday, a few journalists invited to cover the inauguration of Court Martial were chased out of the premises of Scorpion Officers Mess at Asokoro District of the FCT, venue of the trial.

Confusion set in when the journalists, including the Guardian Reporter, were constantly asked to move from one location to the other as soon as they arrived the venue.

As they move from one spot to the other, a bus conveying the alleged coupists arrived at about 8:53am. Thereafter, they were ordered to move out the premises of the trial venue.

The Guardian gathered that 36 officers were brought in for the Court Martial in what is likely to be secret trial.

Sixteen senior officers were in October 2025 arrested for the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) termed indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

Initially, the military high command denied rumours of the coup, saying that investigations showed that the grievances of the arrested officers were linked to repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation.