The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel who were alleged to have been involved in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Defense Headquarters inaugurated the court martial on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security.

The session was held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings.

It was  reports that journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue.

Security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 am.

The military proceedings are unfolding alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against civilians involved in the alleged coup plot at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Proceedings in the case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, were on Thursday adjourned till May 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Bello was represented by his lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu.

During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the need for more time to respond to applications filed by the defence, while Bello’s legal team urged the court to consider their submissions and move the matter forward.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, adjourned the case to May 6 to allow all parties to adequately prepare and ensure a fair hearing.

Mr Bello is currently facing charges bordering on alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

The case is expected to continue on the adjourned date.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Tunde Ayeni, businessman and former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, over an alleged multi-billion naira fraud.

TheCable can confirm that Ayeni was picked up in Abuja on Thursday and is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue.

The anti-graft agency is probing the alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds estimated at N36.5 billion and $30 million, said to have been obtained from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to him.

According to sources, the funds, secured as loans for specific projects, were diverted to other accounts and used for other purposes.

The loans – originally meant for financing marine security, electricity distribution contract, estate development, were allegedly channelled into the acquisition of telecom assets linked to NITEL/MTEL through a NATCOM account.

The commission is also investigating about 12 companies linked to Ayeni, which were allegedly used to obtain the loans from Polaris Bank.

Ayeni is expected to be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

When contacted, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details.

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