Families of detained officers allege torture, demand transparency in alleged coup plot trial

Families of military officers detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu have accused the Nigerian military of torture, intimidation, human rights abuses and a lack of transparency in the ongoing court-martial proceedings involving their relatives.

The allegations were made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, where the families, represented by Aishatu Yusufu, spokesperson for the wives of the detained officers, called for a fair and open trial process and urged both local and international stakeholders to monitor the case closely.

Addressing journalists, Yusufu said the families had remained silent for months out of respect for military institutions and due process but were now compelled to speak because they believed crucial facts surrounding the case were being concealed.

“We are family members, wives and children of detained officers accused of a coup plot. We are not politicians; we are not anarchists; we are only law-abiding citizens compelled to speak out,” she said.

“We love our country, we respect the military and its laws, but we are deeply afraid for our loved ones. We are speaking now because we believe the truth is being suppressed.”

According to her, the detained officers have remained in custody for approximately nine months under conditions the families describe as harsh and degrading. She alleged that both the detainees and their relatives have faced intimidation while being denied access to legal counsel and family visits for extended periods.

Yusufu claimed that lawyers and family members were prevented from seeing the detained officers for more than 180 days despite repeated requests, raising concerns about the welfare and legal rights of the accused.

She further alleged that some of the officers have developed serious health challenges while in detention, including respiratory complications and worsening eyesight, which she attributed to prolonged confinement in underground detention facilities.

“We and our loved ones have been tortured, oppressed, suppressed, traumatised, humiliated, tormented and bullied,” she said.

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“We and their lawyers were not allowed to see them for over 180 days, despite our countless appeals. We have not been given full medical reports, even though some of our relatives have visible injuries.”

The spokesperson also accused authorities of violating due process during the investigation stage, alleging that statements were obtained from the officers without the presence of lawyers or family members. She further claimed that the accused officers were brought before the court-martial while restrained with handcuffs and leg chains.

Despite the allegations, Yusufu stressed that the families were not attempting to influence the outcome of the case or pronounce the accused innocent. Rather, they were seeking assurances that the trial would be conducted fairly, transparently and in line with international legal standards.

The families called on military authorities to open court proceedings to journalists and members of the public, permit independent medical examinations of the detainees, and allow international human rights observers to monitor the trial.

“We are asking for transparency,” Yusufu stated.

“We call on the military authorities to allow international human rights observers to attend the trial, make the court proceedings open to the public and the media, and allow independent medical doctors to examine our relatives.”

She also appealed to the international community to closely follow developments in the case, arguing that justice must be reflected not only in the verdict eventually reached but also in the manner the proceedings are conducted.

“The military should show irrefutable evidence. If there is nothing to hide, they should show everything,” she said.

“We will continue to speak peacefully and lawfully.”

The controversy comes amid ongoing legal proceedings arising from an alleged coup plot uncovered by the Defence Headquarters following the arrest of several military personnel in October 2025.

The Federal Government subsequently filed a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism and terrorism financing against seven defendants, including former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

Other defendants in the case include Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.

The accused persons have all denied the charges and are currently facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

As the proceedings continue, the allegations raised by the families are likely to intensify scrutiny of the handling of the high-profile case, with growing calls for greater transparency and adherence to due process throughout the trial.