The military high command on Friday commenced the trial of more than 20 serving military officers arrested and detained over an alleged plot to overthrow the present government, with proceedings held behind closed doors.

This is as journalists, who arrived as early as 8:00 a.m., were barred from covering the trial, which is taking place at the Scorpion Mess located inside WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the defendants, who arrived at about 8:55 a.m., were conveyed in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus, followed by a Defence Intelligence Agency detention operations vehicle.

Shortly after their arrival, journalists were turned back by operatives stationed at the entrance of the barracks, who said “there was no order to allow the media to cover the trial.”

Daily Trust reports that the federal government on Tuesday arraigned six individuals accused of the same offence before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, fixed Monday, April 27, for the commencement of trial of the accused persons, including a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, who was said to be at large.

At their arraignment, the six accused persons denied the 13-count treason charges brought against them by the federal government, insisting they were not involved in the alleged plot.

Although the military had in October last year stated that only 16 serving personnel were arrested, more than 20 officers were seen in the bus.

The military, through its Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, had earlier this year said investigations into the matter had been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

Uba, a Major-General, said the comprehensive investigation, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

The senior officer stated that findings identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, an act inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before the appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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