Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, has issued a stark call to the Nigerian government and military authorities, demanding a fair and transparent trial for soldiers accused of an alleged plot to overthrow the government, while raising serious concerns over reports that some of the detained suspects have been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. In an interview with DCL Hausa on August 11, 2026, Sanusi stressed that the accused soldiers remain suspects and must be presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process, regardless of the gravity of the charges against them.
“The Nigerian government has to make sure that there is a fair trial. And we are deeply concerned by reports we have been receiving about allegations of torture and ill-treatment of the suspects,” Sanusi said. He warned that the seriousness of the allegations should not be used as a justification for denying the accused their fundamental rights. “They are still suspects, no matter the size or the magnitude of the offence they are accused of committing. It is still an accusation, they are still allegations, and the due process of law has to be allowed to take its course,” he added. Sanusi called on military authorities to ensure that the accused soldiers are not subjected to torture and are given access to their families and legal representatives.
Amnesty International had deliberately remained silent since the case began, Sanusi explained, because it did not want to interfere with legal proceedings. However, the organisation decided to speak out after receiving what he described as serious allegations of torture, denial of access to family members, and denial of medical care. “As a human rights organisation, our responsibility is to make sure that the law is followed and due process is observed,” he said. He maintained that, regardless of the seriousness of the alleged offence, no crime should be used as a justification to deny anyone their fundamental human rights.
Sanusi also expressed concern about what he described as an apparent “media trial” taking place alongside the court proceedings. He alleged that the media coverage surrounding the case appeared intense and organised, raising concerns that it could influence public opinion against the suspects before the court determines their guilt or innocence. “While the trial is going on in the courts, unfortunately, a media trial is also going on,” he said. He insisted that the military authorities should allow the suspects access to their families and lawyers and ensure that their fundamental rights are respected throughout the proceedings.
The alleged coup plot first came to public attention in September and October 2025, when security agencies began arresting military officers suspected of involvement. At the centre of the alleged conspiracy is Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji, who investigators identified as one of the principal figures behind the plot. Ma'aji and several serving military officers are currently facing proceedings before a General Court Martial, while six retired military personnel and civilians are being prosecuted separately at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Military investigators probing the alleged plot say suspects used WhatsApp and encrypted messaging app Zangi to coordinate communications tied to the case. The General Court Martial convened by the Defence Headquarters will try 36 military personnel drawn from various ranks across the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to issue an official response to Amnesty International's allegations. However, the military has previously invited the human rights group to substantiate similar allegations made against the armed forces. The case has drawn attention from across the political spectrum, with relatives of military officers accused in the alleged coup plot protesting in Abuja, demanding a transparent trial and the release of the detained suspects. Families of the accused have also called for international monitoring of the ongoing court martial proceedings, citing concerns over transparency, due process and the welfare of the detainees.
As the trial continues, the Nigerian government faces a critical test of its commitment to the rule of law and human rights. Amnesty International has made it clear that it will continue to monitor the case and advocate for the protection of the suspects' rights. The organisation has urged the government to respect the fundamental rights of the accused and allow the legal process to determine the outcome of the case. For the soldiers facing trial, the path ahead is uncertain, but the call for justice from one of the world's most prominent human rights organisations has ensured that their case will not be forgotten.
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