Accused Army Colonel Rejects Military Court in Alleged Coup Trial

By Ranti Thomas

Fresh drama unfolded in the ongoing alleged coup trial involving 36 military officers after one of the accused officers, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, challenged the authority of the Defence Headquarters Garrison General Court Martial sitting in Abuja to hear the case.

The objection was raised during proceedings before the military tribunal in Asokoro, Abuja, where the Nigerian Armed Forces are prosecuting officers accused of mutiny and an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.

Ma’aji, listed as the second accused person in the case, reportedly filed a preliminary objection asking the court martial to dismiss the charges against him, arguing that the military panel lacks the legal jurisdiction to try the matter.

The case, marked DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM, involves Brigadier General M.A. Sadiq, Colonel Ma’aji and 34 other military personnel currently facing charges connected to alleged mutiny and conspiracy allegations linked to a supposed attempt to destabilise the government.

During proceedings, video evidence connected to the trial was reportedly screened before the court as legal arguments continued over the admissibility of certain materials and the legality of the tribunal itself.

The military had earlier inaugurated the General Court Martial in 2026 as part of investigations into the alleged coup plot involving serving officers across different formations within the Armed Forces.

Following the latest proceedings, the presiding judge, Justice Abdulmalik, adjourned the matter until May 21, 2026, for continuation of the ongoing trial-within-trial and further legal arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams.

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