Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to exercise his powers under Section 174 of the Constitution by terminating what he described as the βillegalβ court martial of 36 individuals allegedly involved in a coup plot.
In a statement dated April 23, 2026, Falana argued that the trial of civilians by military tribunal violates constitutional provisions and international human rights standards. He urged the AGF to invoke his constitutional authority to discontinue the proceedings.
The 36 suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian government. Details of the alleged plot remain unclear, and no official charges have been publicly filed as of April 24, 2026.
Falana's call comes amid ongoing debates about the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians in Nigeria. The AGF's office has not yet issued a response to the request.
