A court martial for 36 Nigerian military officers accused in last year’s foiled coup plot was inaugurated on Friday in Abuja and will resume on May 8 behind closed doors. Separately, a Federal High Court in Abuja has begun trials for six civilians linked to the plot, barring journalists from coverage on Monday.
The court martial addressing last year’s alleged coup plot against Nigeria’s government was inaugurated on Friday at a military installation in Abuja. Thirty-six officers appeared before newly sworn-in justices for the opening proceedings. The next sitting is scheduled for May 8 and will be held behind closed doors with no media access, according to military spokesman Major General Samaila Uba, who spoke to AFP.
The plot, if successful, would have ended more than a quarter-century of democracy in Africa’s most populous nation.
In a related development, six civilians are on trial this week at Abuja’s Federal High Court for their alleged involvement. They have pleaded not guilty. On Monday, the court barred journalists from covering the proceedings.
