Wives of Detained Alleged Coup Plotters Allege Torture, Demand Open and Transparent Trial

The families of military officers detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu have accused the Nigerian military of torture, intimidation and human rights violations, calling for a transparent and fair court-martial process.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, spokesperson for the wives of the detained officers, Aishatu Yusufu, said the families were forced to speak out because they believe the truth about the case is being concealed.

She stressed that the families respect the military and its rules but are deeply concerned about the treatment of their loved ones, who have been in detention for about nine months.

"We are family members, wives and children of detained officers accused of a coup plot. We are not politicians or anarchists. We are law-abiding citizens compelled to speak out. We love our country, we respect the military and its laws, but we are deeply afraid for our loved ones. We believe the truth is being suppressed," she said.

Yusufu alleged that the detained officers were denied access to their lawyers and family members for more than 180 days, despite repeated appeals. She further claimed that some of the detainees developed serious health complications, including deteriorating eyesight and respiratory problems, as a result of prolonged detention in underground facilities.

She also alleged that the officers were subjected to torture, intimidation and degrading treatment while in custody.

"We and our loved ones have been tortured, oppressed, suppressed, traumatised, humiliated, tormented and bullied. We and their lawyers were not allowed to see them for over 180 days despite countless appeals. We have not been given full medical reports, even though some of our relatives have visible injuries," she alleged.

According to her, the officers were denied legal representation and the presence of family members while their statements were being taken. She further claimed they were brought before the court-martial in handcuffs and leg restraints.

Yusufu said the families were not seeking to influence the outcome of the trial or determine the guilt or innocence of the accused officers but were demanding that due process be followed.

She called on military authorities to open the proceedings to the media and the public, allow international human rights observers to monitor the trial, and permit independent medical examinations of the detainees.

"We are asking for transparency. We call on the military authorities to allow international human rights observers to attend the trial, make the court proceedings open to the public and the media, and allow independent medical doctors to examine our relatives," she said.

She also urged the international community to closely monitor the proceedings, insisting that justice should be evident not only in the final verdict but throughout the trial process.

"The military should present irrefutable evidence. If there is nothing to hide, they should show everything. We will continue to speak peacefully and lawfully," she added.

The Nigerian military has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.