Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Relatives of Nigerian military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have raised serious concerns about what they describe as deliberate “delay tactics” in the handling of the case, claiming that prolonged detention without access to family or legal representation violates due process and undermines confidence in the judicial process.
Families of the detained officers, who have been in custody for nearly five months, told news outlets that the suspects have not been formally arraigned or granted meaningful access to counsel, raising fears of rights violations and prejudgment in the media. They argue that the extended delay and frequent unofficial leaks have created the impression that the matter is being tried in the public sphere rather than before an impartial court.
The relatives contend that further investigations and additional arrests should not prevent the commencement of formal trial proceedings, insisting that a court should begin hearing the case while any outstanding inquiries continue. “Any further delay only intensifies public skepticism about the process,” one family member said, urging transparency and adherence to constitutional safeguards.
They also called on both the Nigerian public and international observers to scrutinise conflicting information that has emerged about the matter, including widely circulated reports — notably by Premium Times — that linked one of the accused to alleged financial improprieties involving billions of naira. The families maintain that such aspects should be properly examined and clarified in open judicial proceedings rather than through selective media narratives.
The families expressed appreciation for coverage by outlets such as Daily Trust and The PUNCH, which have highlighted concerns about procedural fairness, but also criticised comments by some public figures — including retired Brigadier General Rufai Kukasheka-Usman — as premature or potentially prejudicial if made outside the context of a court judgement. They urged commentators to respect the rights of the accused and avoid remarks that could harm the presumption of innocence.
In January, Brigadier General Kukasheka-Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, confirmed in an interview with ARISE NEWS that the officers alleged to be coup plotters were to be tried via a court-martial process under the civilian government. He emphasised that because the individuals remain serving members of the armed forces, specific legal and procedural requirements must be followed, including formal acknowledgment of the alleged offences by commanding authorities before trial can proceed. He underscored the seriousness of the case and called for patience as both military and civilian protocols are observed.
The families, however, maintain that many of the issues delaying the court process should not prevent the start of trial and that a public forum is necessary to address rumours and speculation. They have called on President Tinubu to ensure a fair, transparent legal process, arguing that such an approach would strengthen public trust and uphold constitutional principles. “By ensuring a trial that is free, fair, and transparent, the President will be acting with integrity and in line with constitutional values,” they said in a statement.
While acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, the families stressed that the accused remain entitled to the legal presumption of innocence and must be protected from undue influence, coercion or prejudicial pretrial publicity. They expressed hope that the truth will emerge through proper judicial processes and that justice will be served based on credible evidence presented in court.
Earlier claims by some detainees’ spouses — published exclusively by SaharaReporters — alleged that many of the officers were professional soldiers with no intention or capacity to overthrow the government, and that some were implicated solely on the basis of financial transactions with colleagues who had already been detained. In the SaharaReporters account, at least 35 military personnel — including high-ranking officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force — were named as detained in connection with the alleged conspiracy, with the bulk of those identified originating from northern states.
Among those reported detained were a Brigadier General, two Colonels, five Lieutenant Colonels, one Wing Commander, eight Majors, one Lieutenant Commander, two Squadron Leaders, five Captains and several non-commissioned officers. Sources also said that some detainees had fallen ill while in custody, and that two reportedly collapsed due to deteriorating health conditions.
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) — Nigeria’s main military intelligence organisation — was reported to have led coordinated arrests following weeks of covert surveillance; however, the Defence Headquarters initially denied that the detentions were related to any alleged coup plot. This has compounded confusion about the official narrative and reinforced the families’ calls for clarity and transparency through formal court proceedings.
As of this writing, the case remains unresolved in the nation’s judicial system, with no confirmed arraignment date publicly reported. The matter continues to elicit intense public and legal scrutiny as Nigerians and international observers watch for developments that will test the country’s commitment to constitutional rights, military accountability and rule of law.
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