Retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, has stated that military officers accused of plotting a coup will be prosecuted through a court-martial process conducted under civilian oversight.
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Kukasheka-Usman described the allegation as a grave offence that demands strict adherence to both military and civilian legal procedures.
He explained that under military regulations, serving personnel cannot be put on trial until their commanding officers have established that an offence has been committed and that due process has been properly followed.
According to him, members of the armed forces are governed by military, civil, and international laws, with the Armed Forces Act clearly outlining the procedures for trying service members through a court-martial.
Kukasheka-Usman noted that Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act stipulates that military personnel accused of offences not listed as civilian crimes under the Act are to be tried by court-martial. He added that a court-martial holds powers equivalent to those of a State or Federal Capital Territory High Court, with its rulings subject to confirmation by the Defence Council and appealable up to the Supreme Court.
The retired general also praised the military and the government for observing due process in handling the matter, urging the public to allow the authorities to conclude the legal process without interference.