The Nigerian Army has postponed for the fourth time the ruling of the General Court Martial hearing the alleged coup plot case involving military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The ruling, which was scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, has now been moved to Monday, October 5. The new sitting is scheduled for 10am at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
The Army did not give a reason for the latest postponement. The court is expected to determine whether statements attributed to some of the accused officers were obtained voluntarily and can be admitted as evidence in the ongoing proceedings.
The issue arose after defence lawyers challenged the prosecution’s attempt to tender the statements, alleging that some of the officers were coerced, intimidated or physically abused by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency while the statements were being obtained.
The defence has also questioned the circumstances surrounding the statements, including claims that some officers did not have their chosen lawyers or witnesses present when the statements were recorded.
Lawyers further argued that available video evidence did not establish compliance with relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Some of the accused officers reportedly told the court that statements had already been prepared by intelligence officials and that they were subsequently compelled to reproduce or sign them.
The prosecution, however, has presented evidence aimed at establishing that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure.
The trial-within-a-trial was conducted specifically to resolve the dispute over the admissibility of the statements. The General Court Martial, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji, will now reconvene on October 5 to rule on the matter.
The decision could determine whether the disputed statements can be relied upon as evidence as the wider proceedings over the alleged coup plot continue.
