The court martial into last year’s failed coup attempt in Nigeria is set to continue on May 8, according to a spokesperson for the country’s Defence Headquarters, who spoke to AFP on Monday.
About 36 military officers are currently facing trial over allegations that they conspired to overthrow the government.
Had the plan succeeded, it would have ended over 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Africa’s most populous nation.
The proceedings were “inaugurated” on Friday, when the accused officers appeared before newly sworn-in justices at the opening session held inside a military facility in Abuja.
Military authorities confirmed that the next hearing will also take place behind closed doors, with no media allowed access.
This was disclosed to AFP by military spokesman Major General Samaila Uba.
In a separate but related case, six civilians are also standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja this week for their alleged involvement in the plot. They have all “pleaded not guilty”.
Nigeria, which gained independence from Britain in 1960, has experienced several military coups in its history and spent much of the 20th century under military rule.
The country returned to civilian governance in 1999 and has maintained democratic rule since then.
