By Abdussamad Yahya Sufi
Sixteen military officers indicted over an alleged attempt to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could face death penalty if convicted under Nigeria’s military laws.
The officers have been in detention since October 2025 after their arrest for alleged breaches of service rules. A military investigation later linked some of them to activities considered a threat to the country’s constitutional order.
Sources at the Defence Headquarters said the result of the probe has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, which permits court-martial proceedings in line with the Armed Forces Act.
Under military law, personnel found guilty of attempting to seize power through unconstitutional means may be sentenced to death. Officials say the law is aimed at protecting discipline within the armed forces and defending democratic governance.
The Defence Headquarters has affirmed that due process will be followed and reiterated the military’s commitment to civilian rule.
The 16 indicted officers and their ranks are:
- Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
- Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
- Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah
- Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu
- Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan
- Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
- Major A. J. Ibrahim
- Major M. M. Jiddah
- Major M. A. Usman
- Major D. Yusuf
- Major I. Dauda
- Captain I. Bello
- Captain A. A. Yusuf
- Lieutenant S. S. Felix
- Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
- Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
No official date has been announced for the commencement of the trials.
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