Court Martial Postpones Ruling in Alleged Coup Case to October 5

The General Court Martial hearing the alleged coup plot case involving serving military officers has postponed its ruling for the fourth time, with the decision now expected on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The ruling had initially been scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, but a notice issued to members of the court and other parties confirmed the latest adjournment.

“The GCM sitting earlier adjourned to Wednesday, 30 September, 2026, has now been postponed to Monday, 5 October 2026,” the notice stated.

The new sitting is scheduled for 10am at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. The notice was signed by Major M.U. Ardo, the liaison officer, while the military did not give a reason for the latest postponement.

The officers are facing proceedings over allegations of involvement in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At this stage, the court is expected to rule on the admissibility of statements allegedly obtained from some of the accused during investigations, rather than determine the coup allegations themselves.

The dispute over the statements led to a trial-within-a-trial, after defence lawyers challenged the circumstances in which some of the documents were obtained.

Defence lawyers have alleged that some officers were coerced into making or reproducing statements and questioned whether lawyers or witnesses selected by the accused were present when the statements were taken. They also raised concerns about the absence of video recordings in some instances and whether the officers were properly informed of their rights.

The prosecution has maintained that the statements were made voluntarily. Evidence presented in related proceedings has also included video recordings of interrogations, with prosecution witnesses arguing that statements were obtained without improper pressure.

The General Court Martial, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji, has been hearing the case at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Abuja.

The court’s ruling on the disputed statements could affect what evidence the prosecution is permitted to rely on as the military proceedings continue. The latest postponement means the parties will have to wait until October 5 for the court’s decision.