The General Court Martial handling the alleged coup plot case involving some military officers has postponed its ruling on the admissibility of statements made by the accused.
The court had scheduled the ruling for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, but the military has now moved it to Monday, October 5.
A notice issued to members of the court and other parties said the next sitting will begin at 10am at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. The notice, signed by Major M.U. Ardo, the liaison officer, did not state a reason for the latest postponement.
The latest development marks the fourth time the court has deferred its ruling.
The pending decision centres on whether statements allegedly obtained from some of the officers can be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial.
The dispute over the statements led to a trial-within-a-trial after defence lawyers challenged the circumstances under which the officers allegedly made them.
The defence alleged that some of the accused were subjected to coercion, intimidation, inducement and physical abuse by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency while in detention.
Lawyers representing the officers also questioned whether some of them had their chosen lawyers or witnesses present when they made the statements.
They further challenged the alleged absence of video recordings showing some officers writing their statements in the presence of their selected witnesses, citing requirements under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The prosecution, however, presented evidence aimed at showing that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure.
The General Court Martial, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji of the Nigerian Air Force, is expected to determine on October 5 whether the disputed statements can be admitted as evidence in the proceedings.
The case involves officers accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing court proceedings.
