Former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman (Rtd.), has stated that military officers accused of plotting a coup will face trial by court-martial under the oversight of a civilian administration.
Kukasheka-Usman made the remarks on Tuesday, the 27th of January, 2026, while responding to questions on Arise News, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged offence and the need to adhere strictly to both military and civilian legal procedures.
He explained that under military regulations, serving personnel cannot be tried until their commanders have established that an offence has been committed and ensured that due process is observed.
Members of the armed forces, he said, are bound by military, civil, and international laws, with the Armed Forces Act providing for court-martial proceedings in cases involving service members.
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“Under Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, military personnel cannot be tried for civilian offences not listed in the Act. They will instead face a court-martial, equivalent in authority to a state or FCT High Court, with decisions subject to confirmation by the Defence Council, and appeals possible up to the Supreme Court,” Kukasheka-Usman stated.
The retired general also praised both the military and the government for following due process in managing the case, urging the public to allow the authorities to complete all legal procedures.