Wives of Detained Officers Allege Rights Violations, Demand Open Trial Over Alleged Coup Plot

Families of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have accused the military of torture, rights violations and lack of transparency in the ongoing court-martial process.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Aishatu Yusufu, who represented the wives of the detained officers, said the families decided to speak out because they believe critical details surrounding the case are being concealed.

“We are wives and family members of officers accused of a coup plot. We are law-abiding citizens compelled to speak out because we believe the truth is being suppressed,” she said.

She said the families maintain respect for the military institution but expressed concern over the condition and treatment of their relatives since their arrest about nine months ago.

“We love our country and respect the military and its laws, but we are deeply worried about the treatment of our loved ones and the circumstances of their continued detention,” she said.

Yusufu alleged that the detained officers and their families have been denied access to legal counsel and family visits for over 180 days, describing the situation as intimidation and inhumane treatment.

“We and our lawyers were denied access to them for more than 180 days, and we have not been provided with full medical reports despite visible health concerns,” she said.

She further claimed that some of the detainees are suffering serious health challenges, including eyesight and respiratory complications, allegedly due to prolonged detention in harsh conditions.

“We have been subjected to humiliation, trauma and intimidation, while some of our relatives are reportedly in deteriorating health conditions,” she said.

Yusufu also alleged that the officers were denied access to lawyers and family members during interrogation and were brought before the court-martial in restraints.

The families stressed that they are not questioning the outcome of the trial but are demanding fairness, openness and adherence to due process.

“We are not asking anyone to declare them guilty or innocent; we are only demanding a transparent and fair judicial process,” she said.

They called on the military authorities to open the proceedings to the public and media, allow international observers to monitor the trial and permit independent medical examinations of the detainees.

“We are calling for transparency, public access to proceedings, and independent medical evaluation of our loved ones,” she said.

Yusufu also urged international human rights bodies to monitor the case closely, insisting that justice must be seen to be done in both process and outcome.

“The military should present clear evidence, and if there is nothing to hide, the process should be fully open,” she said.

The federal government has filed a 13-count charge against six military officers and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

The charges include treason, terrorism and terrorism financing, and stem from a Defence Headquarters investigation that led to arrests in October 2025.

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

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