Nigerian Army Officers Face Secret Coup Plot Trial

Sixteen Nigerian soldiers will stand trial for an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The officers were first arrested in October. Military officials initially stated the arrests were for "indiscipline." However, multiple security sources confirm the men are accused of planning a coup. Shortly after the arrests, President Tinubu reshuffled the country's top military command. He removed the then–chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa. The reshuffle was widely seen as a move to consolidate loyalty within the armed forces. The trial will be held behind closed doors. A conviction for treason can carry the death penalty in Nigeria.