A group of Nigerian military officers are set to face a court-martial over allegations of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. The 16 officers, including 14 from the Nigerian Army, one from the Navy, and one from the Air Force, were arrested in October last year following “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the actions being taken are “purely disciplinary” and aimed at maintaining order and discipline within the ranks.
The case has emerged amid heightened regional sensitivity to coups in West Africa and ongoing security pressures facing Nigeria’s armed forces. The country’s armed forces have repeatedly reaffirmed their loyalty to civilian rule since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. The trial of the officers is seen as a significant development in the country’s efforts to maintain stability and uphold the rule of law.
In other news, the United Nations has condemned a senior military leader in South Sudan, Gen Johnson Oluny, for urging his troops to “spare no-one” in opposition-held areas, including civilians, children, and the elderly. The UN has warned that such rhetoric risks inciting serious crimes and has called for restraint amid escalating fighting between government forces and troops aligned to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar.
In Uganda, the wife of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye has accused prison authorities of denying him adequate medical care while in detention. Winnie Byanyima has raised concerns about Besigye’s health, alleging that he is being deliberately denied proper care despite showing slow improvement under treatment from his personal doctor. The Uganda Prisons Service has denied the allegations, stating that Besigye has received medical attention and is in a stable condition.
In Zimbabwe, Prophet Walter Magaya has appeared in court to face four counts of rape. The leader of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance ministry is alleged to have raped a 24-year-old woman in 2020 after luring her to a church-owned hotel. The matter has been remanded to February 16 for trial.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie is set to face additional charges over 52 more deaths. Mackenzie, who is linked to an infamous starvation cult that killed over 400 people, has been accused of luring the latest victims to their deaths through notes written from his prison cell. The case has deepened scrutiny of authorities and raised concerns about the need for stronger regulation to prevent such tragedies.
