Concerns are mounting over the Nigerian military’s planned court-martial of officers accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot, with families and associates questioning the secrecy surrounding the process and alleging denial of legal access.
Sources familiar with the matter said the trial is expected to begin soon, with the accused officers reportedly transferred to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison to establish jurisdiction for the proceedings.
However, relatives of the detained personnel say they have been kept completely in the dark since the arrests, which they claim happened nearly seven months ago.
According to them, there has been no official communication from military authorities, and repeated attempts by lawyers and family members to gain access to the detainees have been unsuccessful.
One family member described the situation as deeply troubling, saying the process appears tightly controlled by the same institution conducting the investigation and prosecution.
“There has been no transparency. No updates. No access. Everything is being handled behind closed doors,” the relative said.
The families are now calling for the matter to be moved to a civilian court, arguing that only a public judicial process can guarantee fairness, independent defence counsel, and proper scrutiny of evidence.
They also raised concerns about impartiality, noting that the military is acting as investigator, prosecutor, and adjudicator in the same matter.
Fresh tension emerged following reports that the military may conduct staggered or closed-door hearings for the officers, a development critics say would further limit transparency.
Insiders quoted in earlier reports alleged that the proposed arrangement could restrict the accused from freely choosing legal representation and bar families from attending proceedings.
Another source described the situation as more than just a delayed trial, warning that confidence in the process was already weakening among stakeholders.
The controversy comes amid growing public attention on the continued detention of several officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Although investigations began in 2025, no open trial has been held, and details of the alleged offences remain largely unclear.
Tensions were further heightened earlier this month when wives of some detained officers staged a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding either their husbands’ release or a transparent court process.
Dressed in black and carrying placards with messages such as “Justice for our husbands,” the women accused authorities of holding their spouses incommunicado for months without access to lawyers or family.
They warned that secret proceedings would only deepen fears of unfair treatment.
“We want justice. If there is evidence, let them be charged in court. If not, let them go,” one protester said.
Among those still in custody are officers including Maj. H. Yusuf and others whose specific roles in the alleged plot have not been officially disclosed.
Officials have previously claimed that the investigation uncovered broader plans to destabilise the government, though details remain inconsistent and largely undisclosed.
The situation has continued to generate debate over military justice procedures in Nigeria, with growing calls for greater transparency and adherence to due process standards.
