Mr Bunyoni’s trial started in September, a year after he was fired by President Evariste Ndayishimiye over suspicions that Mr Bunyoni was plotting a "coup" against him.

Mr Bunyoni is also accused of undermining national security, subverting government institutions, destabilising the economy and enriching himself through illegal means.

Mr Bunyoni pleaded not guilty to all charges and asked to be acquitted, citing a lack of tangible evidence against him.

Prosecutor Jean-Bosco Bucumi also called for Mr Bunyoni to pay "damages equivalent to twice the value of the 153 houses and plots of land and the 43 vehicles belonging to him", in addition to a fine of 7.1m Burundian francs ($2,400; £2,000), AFP news agency reported.

The prosecution also requested 30-year sentences for the six co-accused, who include a police colonel and a senior intelligence agent.