The trial of 36 Nigerian military personnel facing allegations of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government was reportedly halted on Wednesday after one of the defendants, Captain M.L. Muhammad, suffered a medical emergency while in detention.
According to security sources familiar with the matter, the officer allegedly collapsed after experiencing convulsions, vomiting, seizures and breathing difficulties, forcing the General Court Martial to suspend proceedings scheduled for the day.
The sources claimed Captain Muhammad had been detained in an underground facility operated by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), where he reportedly developed serious health complications before his condition deteriorated.
It was further alleged that the officer was removed from the detention facility after collapsing, although his current condition and whereabouts remain unclear.
Security sources also claimed that several of the detained military personnel are being held in an underground confinement where they are allegedly exposed to poor detention conditions. They alleged that a signal-jamming device installed inside the facility emits radiation, which they believe has contributed to various health problems among the detainees.
According to the sources, several officers have reportedly experienced symptoms including persistent headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, hearing impairment, vision problems, memory loss, sleep disorders and loss of appetite while in detention.
The sources further alleged that the underground facility relies on an artificial ventilation system, raising concerns about the living conditions of those being held there.
The development comes as the General Court Martial continues hearing the case involving 36 military personnel accused of participating in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian military or the Defence Intelligence Agency responding to the allegations regarding the detention conditions or Captain Muhammad’s reported medical emergency.
