The Defence Headquarters officially constituted the panel on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, with tight security around the venue.

Proceedings were conducted behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the case.

Naija Street Maters gathered that journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had earlier been invited, were refused entry into the premises.

Security operatives also prohibited the use of mobile phones to capture the arrival of the 36 accused personnel, who were brought in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus around 8:53 am.

The military trial is taking place alongside separate criminal cases instituted by the Federal Government against civilians allegedly linked to the same coup plot at the Federal High Court Abuja.