A former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman (retd.), has confirmed that military personnel accused of plotting a coup against Nigeria’s democratic government will be tried through a court-martial process.
Kukasheka-Usman made the clarification during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, where he addressed public concerns surrounding the handling of the alleged coup attempt. He described the offence as extremely serious and stressed that it requires strict adherence to established military and civilian legal procedures.
According to him, serving military personnel cannot be immediately subjected to civilian court processes without due compliance with military laws. He explained that certain procedures must first be fulfilled by the military command before any trial can commence.
He stated that the military and the government have followed due process in addressing the incident and urged Nigerians to exercise patience. Kukasheka-Usman said the steps taken so far reflect diligence and respect for the rule of law, adding that the public should give the authorities the benefit of the doubt.
The retired general noted that the initial perception that the incident was being downplayed surprised both the military and the public. He said this reaction highlights the evolving nature of the Nigerian armed forces and the changing expectations placed on them under democratic governance.
Kukasheka-Usman explained that the Nigerian military has undergone a major transformation over a 15-year period between 2000 and 2015. He said this reform process focused on improving military doctrine, professional conduct, attitudes, civil-military relations, and respect for democratic authority.
According to him, one of the most important outcomes of these reforms is the clear subordination of the military to civilian and democratic control. He said this shift is critical in understanding how sensitive cases, such as an alleged coup attempt, are now handled.
Clarifying the legal framework, Kukasheka-Usman explained that serving military personnel are subject to multiple layers of law. He said this includes military law, civil law, and international laws to which Nigeria is a signatory, under what he described as the “doctrine of compact.”
He referenced Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, which governs how military officers are tried for offences. According to him, military personnel cannot be tried in civilian courts for offences not expressly listed in the Act.
Instead, such cases are handled through a court-martial.
Kukasheka-Usman explained that a court-martial has legal authority equivalent to that of a State High Court or the Federal Capital Territory High Court. He added that decisions reached by a court-martial must be confirmed by the Defence Council before they become effective.
He further noted that officers convicted by a court-martial still have the right to appeal. According to him, such appeals can progress through the judicial system up to the Supreme Court, ensuring that accused persons are afforded full legal protections.
The retired army spokesperson emphasized that this is the first time an alleged coup attempt has been addressed under uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria. He described the situation as a new and significant development in the country’s civil-military relations.
He said those accused will be formally arraigned before a court-martial and will benefit from oversight by the Defence Council. According to him, this process underscores the military’s commitment to accountability and constitutional order.
Reflecting on broader reforms, Kukasheka-Usman highlighted efforts by the Nigerian Army to improve transparency and public service. He noted that in the past, the military lacked dedicated units for Civil and Military Affairs and Human Rights.
He said these gaps have since been addressed, with initiatives such as the establishment of a 193 toll-free emergency line designed to enable citizens across the country to reach the military in times of need.
According to him, these developments demonstrate the sincerity of the armed forces in serving the Nigerian public and respecting civilian authority. He said such reforms are essential for building trust between the military and the society it serves.
Kukasheka-Usman also commended military commanders and government officials for ensuring that due process is followed in handling the alleged coup case. He cited remarks by legal practitioner Frank Tete, who praised the military and government for their diligence.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to await further updates when the court-martial is formally inaugurated, stressing that adherence to procedure is critical in maintaining democracy and the rule of law.
