ABUJA, Nigeria (FN), The court martial of three dozen Nigerian military officers accused of plotting a coup last year will resume May 8, the country’s Defence Headquarters said Monday, in one of the most significant trials of its kind in decades.
The officers are charged with attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government in a plot allegedly timed for Oct. 1, 2025, Nigeria’s Independence Day. Authorities canceled the annual parade at the last minute, fueling speculation of unrest. Officials initially denied a coup attempt, but in January confirmed charges against the officers.
The trial, held behind closed doors at a military installation in Abuja, underscores the government’s determination to confront internal threats to Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule. Six civilians, including a retired major general and a serving police inspector, are also facing treason and terrorism charges in a separate civilian court. All have pleaded not guilty.
Nigeria has a long history of military interventions. The country’s first coup in 1966 set off decades of instability, with subsequent takeovers in 1975, 1983 and 1993. The last military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, seized power after the annulment of democratic elections in 1993. Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, beginning its longest democratic stretch.
The foiled coup trial comes amid a resurgence of military takeovers across West Africa. Burkina Faso saw two coups in 2022, Mali’s government was ousted twice between 2020 and 2021, and Guinea’s President Alpha Condé was toppled in 2021. Analysts say Nigeria’s handling of the case will be closely watched as a test of democratic resilience in a region plagued by instability.
The Defence Headquarters has not disclosed how long the proceedings will last, but convictions could carry heavy sentences, including dismissal from service and long prison terms.
In a region where coups have become increasingly common, Nigeria’s trial is seen as a pivotal moment for both its democracy and its military.
