A former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman (rtd.), has confirmed that military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government will be prosecuted through a court-martial, even under the country’s current civilian administration.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, the retired senior officer described the alleged coup attempt as a serious national security offence that demands strict observance of established military and constitutional procedures.
According to Kukasheka-Usman, while the alleged plot has civilian implications, the accused officers remain subject primarily to military justice under the Armed Forces Act.
He explained that serving personnel cannot be brought before civilian courts until their commanding authorities formally establish that an offence has occurred.
He said the military and the federal government followed due process in handling the matter, adding that the public should allow the legal process to run its course.
He noted that investigations were conducted carefully, despite early public perceptions that the incident was initially downplayed.
Kukasheka-Usman explained that Nigeria’s armed forces have undergone significant reforms over the past two decades, aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving civil-military relations and reinforcing the principle of subordination to democratic authority.
He clarified that military personnel are subject to both military and civil laws under what he described as the “doctrine of compact,” as well as international conventions Nigeria has ratified.
He however, said Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act restricts the trial of serving officers for certain civilian offences, requiring such cases to be handled by a court-martial.
The retired general noted that a court-martial holds powers comparable to a High Court of a state or the Federal Capital Territory, with its decisions subject to confirmation by the Defence Council.
He added that convicted officers retain the right to appeal up to the Supreme Court.
Describing the situation as unprecedented, Kukasheka-Usman said this marks the first time an attempted coup is being prosecuted during a prolonged period of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.
He also highlighted internal reforms within the Nigerian Army, including the establishment of civil-military and human rights departments, as evidence of the military’s commitment to accountability and service to the public.
He cited initiatives such as emergency response platforms as part of efforts to deepen trust between the armed forces and civilians.
Kukasheka-Usman further commended military commanders and government officials for ensuring that legal procedures were respected before any trial process begins, urging Nigerians to await the formal inauguration of the court-martial for further developments.
