Court Martial over coup Plot set to resume May 8

The court martial proceedings involving three dozen military officers accused of a foiled coup plot are scheduled to resume on May 8, according to from Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters.

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The trial involves 36 officers allegedly involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government, an act that would have threatened over twenty-five years of democratic rule in Africa’s most populous nation.

Major General Samaila Uba confirmed to AFP that the proceedings, which were inaugurated last Friday at a military installation in Abuja, will continue to be held behind closed doors without media access. 

During the opening session, the officers were brought before newly sworn-in justices to officially begin the legal process within the military justice system.

In a related legal development, six civilians are also facing trial this week at the Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged roles in the same plot. 

All six individuals have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges brought against them. These proceedings come at a sensitive time for Nigeria, which has maintained a stable civilian government since transitioning from junta rule in 1999.