DHQ Secret Court-Martial Sparks Outrage Amid Allegations of Torture, Leg Chains, and Deteriorating Health of 36 Officers

Outrage grows as 36 Nigerian military officers appear in leg chains at a secret court-martial in Abuja. Reports allege untreated infections and denied family access.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 9:22 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Sahara Reporters.

Inhumane Conditions and Allegations of Abuse

The General Court Martial currently sitting at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, has become a focal point of controversy following revelations of the physical state of the defendants. No fewer than 36 military officers are standing trial for alleged involvement in a coup conspiracy, appearing before the panel in leg chains. Sources familiar with the internal proceedings describe a "deeply disturbing" environment where several accused individuals are visibly suffering from untreated infections and wounds suspected to be the result of physical abuse during their detention.

Transparency Concerns and Exclusion of Families

A significant driver of the public outcry is the near-total secrecy surrounding the trial. Military authorities have reportedly barred family members of the accused from attending the sessions, raising serious questions regarding the constitutional right to a fair and public hearing. While the Armed Forces Act provides a framework for military justice, critics argue that the total exclusion of relatives and the public undermines the transparency necessary for high-stakes trials involving national security and the fate of senior officers.

Conflicts of Interest in the Judicial Panel

Further controversy has erupted over the composition of the court-martial panel. The defense has reportedly moved to disqualify certain officers on the panel, alleging that these individuals participated in or supervised the torture of the defendants during the initial investigation phase. Despite these claims, the court-martial has refused to remove the accused panel members, leading to accusations of partiality. A source noted that having the same individuals who oversaw the interrogation now determining the final verdict creates a significant conflict of interest.