Former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman (Rtd.), has confirmed that alleged coup plotters will face trial by court-martial under civilian administration following a failed attempt to overthrow democratic governance.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Kukasheka-Usman emphasised that the gravity of the offence requires strict adherence to both military and civilian legal procedures.
“This is very, very grave,” Kukasheka-Usman said, referring to the attempted coup. “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 explained that the incident, initially downplayed by authorities, caught both the military and the public off guard, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the armed forces. “The military has undergone a 15-year transformation process from 2000 to 2015, including doctrinal and attitudinal changes, and expansion to improve civil-military relations, but most importantly to ensure the military is subject to democratic authority,” he said.
Kukasheka-Usman clarified the military’s relationship with civilian law in cases involving service members. “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. “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.”
The retired general emphasised that this is the first time an attempted coup is being addressed under uninterrupted democratic governance. “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 military reforms, Kukasheka-Usman highlighted the army’s efforts to prioritise accountability and public service. “Initially, there were no Departments of Civil and Military Affairs or Human Rights, but the army led initiatives such as the 193 toll-free emergency line, responding to incidents across the country. This shows the sincerity of the military in serving the public and respecting civilian authority,” he said.
Kukasheka-Usman also praised the role of commanders and government in ensuring a fair 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.
