Retired Army Spokesman Says Coup Suspects To Face Court‑Martial

A former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka‑Usman (rtd.), has confirmed that alleged coup plotters will be tried by court‑martial following a recent attempt to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government.

In an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Kukasheka‑Usman said the seriousness of the offence requires strict compliance with both military and civilian legal procedures.

“This is very, very grave. Beyond military offences, a court may not try a serving military personnel until his commander understands that he has committed that offence. There were procedures that had to be met over time. The military and government have done a diligent job, and we should give them the benefit of the doubt,” he said, referring to the failed coup attempt.

Naijaonpoint reports that Kukasheka‑Usman noted that the initial downplaying of the incident caught both the military and the public off guard, reflecting ongoing changes in the armed forces.

He highlighted that the military has undergone a 15‑year transformation process (2000–2015) aimed at improving doctrine, attitudes, civil‑military relations, and respect for democratic authority.

“The military has undergone a 15‑year transformation process… most importantly to ensure the military is subject to democratic authority,” he said.

Clarifying the legal framework, Kukasheka‑Usman explained how military personnel are tried when accused of serious offences.

“The doctrine of compact means that a serving military personnel is subject to both military law and civil law, as well as international laws to which Nigeria is a signatory,” he said.

He cited Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, noting that military officers cannot be tried for civilian offences not listed in the Act. Instead, they will face a court‑martial, which he described as having “authority equivalent to a state or FCT High Court.”

Decisions from such tribunals must be confirmed by the Defence Council, and accused officers can appeal up to the Supreme Court.

The retired general emphasised that this is the first time an attempted coup has been addressed under uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

“This is a new phenomenon. Those accused will be arraigned before a court‑martial and will have the benefit of Defence Council,” he said.

Reflecting on past reforms, Kukasheka‑Usman pointed to efforts by the army to prioritise accountability and public service.

He noted that the military, which once lacked units such as Civil and Military Affairs or Human Rights departments, has since taken initiatives like the 193 toll‑free emergency line to respond to citizen needs across the country.

“This shows the sincerity of the military in serving the public and respecting civilian authority,” he said.

Kukasheka‑Usman also commended military commanders and government authorities for ensuring due process.

“A court may not try a serving military personnel until procedures are met. Frank Tete, a lawyer, commended the military and government for their diligence, and we should await updates when the court is inaugurated,” he said.