The court martial over a foiled coup plot in Nigeria is set to resume on May 8, as authorities intensify efforts to prosecute dozens of military officers accused of attempting to overthrow the government.
A spokesman for the Defence Headquarters confirmed that 36 officers are currently facing trial over their alleged involvement in the plot, which, if successful, could have ended more than 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Africa’s most populous nation.
The proceedings were formally inaugurated last Friday at a military facility in Abuja, where the accused officers appeared before a newly constituted panel of military judges. According to military spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba, the next hearing will also be conducted behind closed doors, with no access granted to the media.
In a related development, six civilians are being tried separately at the Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged roles in the same plot. All six defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Nigeria has a long history of military interventions in governance, having experienced multiple coups following its independence in 1960. However, the country has maintained civilian rule since its return to democracy in 1999, making the current trial a significant moment in its ongoing efforts to safeguard democratic stability.
