Cotonou: A special court in the West African country of Benin has remanded in custody 31 individuals, including one civilian, over a failed coup attempt earlier this month.

According to Anadolu Agency, the suspects, comprising 30 military personnel and one civilian, appeared before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism. The court hearings, which took place on Monday, extended late into the night, as reported by local news website 24 Heures Au Benin.

The accused face a series of grave charges, including treason, murder, and offenses against the security of the state. The incident in question occurred on December 7, when a group of soldiers, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, took control of the national television station in Cotonou and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon's government.

The situation was quickly brought under control by loyalist forces, with assistance from Nigeria, preventing the rebels from solidifying their grasp on power. Later that day, President Talon addressed the nation, declaring the coup plot foiled, condemning the perpetrators as mutineers, and assuring that those involved would face justice.