Military court postpones ruling on disputed coup-trial statements
Nigeria’s General Court Martial has moved its ruling on whether statements attributed to accused officers can be admitted as evidence from September 30 to October 5. The defence alleges coercion and procedural violations, while the prosecution maintains that the statements were made voluntarily. The court has deferred the ruling four times.
Nigeria’s General Court Martial has postponed its ruling on the admissibility of statements attributed to officers facing trial over an alleged coup plot. The decision, previously scheduled for September 30, is now expected on October 5 at 10 a.m. A notice signed by Liaison Officer Major M.U.
Ardo said the sitting would take place at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. It did not state why the latest postponement had been ordered and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. The court, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I.
Alhaji, has now deferred the ruling four times. Its decision will determine whether the prosecution can rely on the disputed statements as part of its evidence in the ongoing proceedings. The defence challenged the statements during a trial-within-trial.
Lawyers alleged that some officers were coerced by Defence Intelligence Agency officials into making or reproducing statements containing information they considered false. They also argued that legal requirements governing the recording of statements had not been met. Among the defence complaints were allegations that selected lawyers or witnesses were absent when some statements were made.
Counsel also questioned the absence of video recordings showing certain officers writing statements in the presence of their chosen witnesses, as required under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The defence further alleged that some officers had not been properly cautioned or adequately informed of their rights. Several accused officers told the court that they faced intimidation, inducement, physical abuse or pressure while detained, and that some were led to believe reproducing particular statements would secure their release.
The prosecution presented evidence intended to show that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure. The October 5 ruling is expected to resolve the key evidentiary dispute, although the wider trial will continue regardless of the court’s decision.
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