Falana Slams Military for Lack of Apology, Questions Legality of Coup Plot Trials

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has condemned the Nigerian military for what he calls a deliberate deception of the public regarding an alleged coup plot, following its admission that officers would face a judicial panel.

Falana’s remarks came a day after the military announced the panel to investigate an alleged plan to overthrow the government more than three months after initially dismissing reports of such a plot as false. In October 2025, SaharaReporters had exclusively reported the arrest of several officers by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in connection with the alleged scheme.

Speaking on Channels Television, Falana stated that the military owed Nigerians an apology for the misleading initial denial. “People in authority must learn to take us seriously as a people,” he said, arguing that a public apology would have been the honorable course of action once the investigation revealed the matter was serious.

The senior advocate also challenged the legal basis for trying the officers before a military tribunal. He contended that if the allegations constitute a coup plot treason or treasonable felony the case must be tried in a Federal or State High Court, not a court martial. Falana further criticized the denial of access to legal counsel for the detained officers, insisting it violates their constitutional rights.

Reports indicate a significant number of personnel are detained. While the Defence Headquarters cited 16 officers under investigation, SaharaReporters learned that at least 35 military personnel are currently held. These include a brigadier general, colonels, majors, and non-commissioned officers, predominantly from the northern region.

Falana called for the release of any detainees not formally indicted and disclosed that up to 42 people had been arrested in connection with the alleged plot. Military sources previously alleged that some officers were coerced into confessions and that some had been recalled from overseas training.