Families, rights advocates raise due process concerns as detained officers await trial after months in custody.
By John Ishaku | Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigerian military is under growing scrutiny over plans to court-martial officers accused of plotting a coup, amid allegations of secrecy and denial of legal access. Families of the detained personnel say they have been kept in the dark for months, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.
The development has triggered calls for the trial to be moved to a civilian court.
Sources familiar with the process indicate that the court-martial is expected to begin soon, with the accused officers reportedly transferred to the Defence Headquarters Garrison in Abuja for jurisdictional purposes
Relatives of the detainees allege that since their arrest in October 2025, there has been no formal communication from military authorities. They claim access to the officers, as well as to independent legal representation, has been consistently denied.
Family members argue that the military’s dual role—as investigator, prosecutor, and adjudicator—raises questions about impartiality. They are demanding that proceedings be conducted in civilian courts to ensure openness and adherence to constitutional rights.
The controversy intensified following reports that the military may adopt closed-door and staggered hearings, limiting attendance by families and restricting the accused from selecting their own legal counsel.
Earlier this month, wives of some detained officers staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly Complex, calling for either their release or a transparent judicial process. Protesters accused authorities of prolonged detention without trial and demanded accountability.
Military authorities have yet to publicly disclose full details of the allegations. However, officials previously stated that investigations uncovered a broader plot to destabilise the government, with senior officers allegedly targeted.
Despite these claims, critics point to inconsistencies in official accounts and the lack of publicly available evidence, further fueling concerns about due process.
Families Allege Secrecy, Denial of Rights
Relatives insist that the prolonged detention without access to lawyers or communication violates constitutional safeguards. They warn that continued secrecy could undermine confidence in the military justice system.
Calls Grow for Civilian Trial
Stakeholders argue that transferring the case to civilian courts would ensure transparency, allow independent legal representation, and subject evidence to public scrutiny.
The case highlights longstanding tensions between military justice procedures and constitutional rights. How authorities handle the trial could influence public trust in both the armed forces and the rule of law, especially in a politically sensitive case involving alleged threats to national stability.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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