Alleged Coup Plot: Court martial of 36 officers to resume May 8

The trial of 36 military officers accused of plotting to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government is set to resume on May 8, according to the Defence Headquarters.

The officers are currently facing a court martial over their alleged involvement in a foiled coup attempt last year—an incident that, if successful, could have disrupted more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule in Africa’s most populous nation.

Military authorities confirmed that the court martial proceedings were formally inaugurated last Friday at a military facility in Abuja, where the accused were presented before a panel of newly sworn-in military judges.

Spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, Samaila Uba, disclosed that the next phase of the trial will be held behind closed doors, with no access granted to the media.

In a related development, six civilians are also standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the same plot. All six defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Nigeria has a long history of military interventions in politics, with several coups recorded after independence in 1960. However, the country has maintained civilian rule since 1999, marking its longest democratic stretch to date.

The ongoing trial is being closely watched as authorities seek to reinforce constitutional order and deter any threats to the nation’s democratic system.