The Digest:
The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's administration. The proceedings were held behind closed doors at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security. Accredited journalists were denied access and barred from using mobile phones. The court-martial is running alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Key Points:
- Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the AGF to halt the military trial.
- Falana argued that treason and terrorism fall under the Federal High Court jurisdiction.
- Six other suspects were arraigned on April 22 and pleaded not guilty.
- Families of the accused have joined calls for a transparent, civilian-led trial.
- The military claims the alleged plot was uncovered through internal intelligence.
The dual-track prosecution has sparked a significant legal debate over jurisdiction.
Sources: Channels TV
