Families Of Alleged Coup Plotters Against Tinubu Decry ‘Delay Tactics’, Demand Open Trial

The family members of Nigerian military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government have expressed concern over what they describe as deliberate “delay tactics” in the handling of the case.

They claim that the accused officers have been held in custody for nearly five months without access to family or legal counsel, a situation they say violates due process and the constitutional right to a fair trial.

They alleged that the prolonged delay, combined with selective disclosures in the media, has created the impression that the matter is being tried in the court of public opinion rather than before a competent court.

“Any continued delay only deepens public doubt about the process,” the families stated.

According to Sahara Reporters, the families urged both the Nigerian public and the international community to closely scrutinise inconsistencies in official narratives, including earlier claims that tens of billions of naira were allegedly traced to one of the suspects.

They insisted such allegations must be tested openly in court.

Appealing directly to President Tinubu, they called for an open trial, warning against suggestions of closed-door proceedings.

“By guaranteeing a free, fair, and transparent trial, the President will act in good conscience and in accordance with constitutional principles,” they said.

While acknowledging the gravity of coup allegations, they stressed that the accused officers remain entitled to the presumption of innocence and protection from coercion or undue influence.

In January, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka-Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed that the suspects would face a court-martial under civilian administration.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Kukasheka-Usman described the allegations as “very, very grave” and emphasised strict adherence to military and civilian legal procedures.

“This is very, very grave,” he said. “The military and government have done a diligent job, and we should give them the benefit of the doubt.”

He added that the armed forces had undergone significant reforms between 2000 and 2015 to ensure subordination to democratic authority.

However, the families questioned why, despite earlier assurances that investigations had been concluded, formal arraignment had yet to commence.

In late January, some wives of the detained officers accused authorities of conducting a witch-hunt.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, they maintained that their husbands were professional officers with no intention of overthrowing the government.

One spouse claimed several detainees were implicated merely for having financial transactions with previously arrested officers.

“All the officers were either arrested or invited from their various places of duties. Not gathered or seen in the same place,” she said.

She further alleged that some officers voluntarily honoured invitations, arguing that anyone aware of a genuine coup plot would have fled the country.

Reports indicate that 35 military personnel – including a Brigadier General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, Captains, and non-commissioned officers – are being held in connection with the alleged plot.

Sources within the military confirmed that the arrests were carried out in coordinated operations by the Defence Intelligence Agency after weeks of covert surveillance.

The Defence Headquarters had initially dismissed claims linking the arrests to a coup attempt, stating that detentions were unrelated to any plot.

Meanwhile, concerns have deepened following reports that some detainees have fallen ill in custody, with allegations that they were transferred to an underground military cell in Abuja described as poorly ventilated.