Confusion over fate of alleged coup plotters as FG delays action

Uncertainty continues to surround the prosecution of military officers accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu, as the Federal Government is yet to issue clear directives on how the suspects should be tried.

A report by Punch Newspapers indicated that authorities have not decided whether the suspects will face a court-martial or be arraigned before a regular civilian court.

Sources revealed that concerns have been raised over the fact that the alleged offence occurred under a democratic government, unlike in past military regimes where such cases were handled strictly by military tribunals.

Earlier, the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Samaila Uba, had announced that the suspects would be tried before appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and service regulations.

However, weeks after the announcement, no concrete steps have been taken to commence the trial.

Senior military sources disclosed that the delay is due to disagreements over the appropriate legal process.

According to them, while military authorities favour a court-martial for the indicted officers, some officials within the Presidency are reportedly unconvinced that a military tribunal is suitable.

A senior officer familiar with the investigation said the military leadership was awaiting the President’s directive to constitute a court-martial panel.

He explained that although the Defence Headquarters had earlier indicated that the officers would be court-martialled, some federal officials were pushing for a different approach.

The officer clarified that only military personnel would be tried under military law, while civilians linked to the case would be prosecuted in regular courts.

Another top official at the Nigerian Army headquarters confirmed that investigations had been concluded and that the suspects would soon be arraigned.

He said those yet to be arrested would eventually be brought to justice, stressing that no suspect would evade prosecution.

However, he admitted uncertainty over whether the trial would take place in a military or civilian court, noting that the final decision rests with the President as Commander-in-Chief.

Meanwhile, a senior official at the Federal Ministry of Justice said the Attorney-General’s office was still deliberating on the appropriate legal channel.

The official described the situation as confusing, explaining that the matter required careful legal consideration.

He noted that the case was unprecedented under a civilian government, as previous coup attempts occurred during military rule and were handled differently.

According to him, authorities must first establish which court has the jurisdiction to hear the case before proceeding, warning against rushing into prosecution without proper legal backing.