Families of military officers currently facing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have raised serious concerns over the treatment of their relatives in detention, alleging torture, prolonged isolation, and denial of basic rights during the ongoing court martial.
The families made their concerns public during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, where they accused authorities of failing to ensure fairness, transparency, and due process in the handling of the case.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Aishatu Yesufu said the past nine months had been filled with pain, uncertainty, and emotional trauma for both the detained officers and their loved ones.
According to her, the families had remained silent for months out of respect for the legal process and the military institution, but recent developments forced them to speak out.
“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 and the narrative is being controlled,” she said.
The families alleged that the detained officers were subjected to inhumane treatment while in custody. They claimed the officers had been denied access to lawyers and family members for more than 180 days despite repeated appeals and formal requests.
They also raised concerns over the health condition of some of the detained officers, alleging that prolonged detention under harsh conditions had worsened their wellbeing.
According to them, some of the officers are reportedly battling serious health challenges, including vision-related issues and respiratory complications.
The families further alleged that statements were taken from the officers without the presence of lawyers or family representatives, raising questions about the credibility and fairness of the investigation process.
They also expressed concerns over what they described as the use of restraints during court martial proceedings.
According to Aishatu, the issue is not about declaring the officers innocent or guilty, but about ensuring justice is served through a fair and transparent process.
“We are not here to declare that our relatives are innocent of every allegation. That is for the court to determine. However, we are saying that the process has not been fair, open, or transparent,” she said.
The families questioned why access to the detainees had been heavily restricted if proper procedures were being followed. They also demanded explanations over why key parts of the trial were allegedly not fully open to the public and media.
They called on military authorities to allow independent monitoring of the proceedings by international human rights observers and demanded that journalists be granted broader access to ensure public accountability.
They also asked for independent medical professionals to be allowed to examine the detained officers.
The families said their appeal should not be seen as an attempt to interfere with the judicial process but rather a call for accountability and respect for fundamental rights.
“Our families are suffering. We cannot sleep. We watch our children cry for their fathers and mothers. We have already lost so much,” they said.
They insisted they still believe in the rule of law and called on authorities to present all available evidence in court, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
According to them, fairness in the judicial process is just as important as the final verdict.
The families also disclosed that they possess documents, photographs, and witnesses which they are prepared to present to journalists to support their claims.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who also addressed journalists during the briefing, appealed directly to President Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law is upheld throughout the trial.
He said while the legal process must be allowed to continue, allegations of abuse and rights violations cannot be ignored.
“My appeal goes directly to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that as the leader and father of the nation, he has a responsibility to ensure that no citizen is placed beneath the law or above the law,” he said.
Adeyanju stressed that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy and not a military regime, adding that every citizen deserves fair treatment under the law, regardless of the allegations against them.
He noted that even individuals facing serious criminal charges are still protected by constitutional rights.
Referencing the Supreme Court judgment in Bello v. State, he said even a convict sentenced to death retains certain legal rights while due process continues.
“How much more people are presumed innocent under the law? These citizens should be treated with dignity and respect. They have rights as citizens,” he said.
The lawyer called on the President to direct relevant authorities to investigate the allegations raised by the families, particularly issues surrounding detention conditions and access to medical care.
He urged authorities to ensure the detainees receive proper medical attention and allow families to bring in independent medical professionals where necessary.
According to him, failure to address these concerns could weaken public trust in both the justice system and democratic institutions.
“Nobody is saying whether the defendants are innocent or guilty. We are only saying that they should be treated like human beings,” he added.
The alleged coup plot involving the detained officers has remained a sensitive matter within Nigeria’s political and security circles, drawing growing public attention over concerns about due process and human rights.
As the court martial continues, pressure is expected to mount on military authorities to address the concerns raised by the families and ensure transparency in the proceedings.