Coup Plot Case: Falana Says Military Court Trial Is Unconstitutional

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has described the planned trial of 36 alleged coup plotters before a military court as unconstitutional, urging the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to immediately intervene and halt the proceedings.

Falana argued that the case should not be handled by a General Court Martial, insisting that the officers must instead be arraigned before the Federal High Court, which he said has exclusive jurisdiction over offences such as treason, treasonable felony, and terrorism.

In a detailed statement, Falana called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to invoke his constitutional powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue what he described as an “illegal charge” before the military tribunal. He maintained that after stopping the military proceedings, the accused officers should be formally charged at the Federal High Court in line with constitutional requirements.

Falana further argued that under Section 251 of the Constitution, only the Federal High Court has jurisdiction to try offences relating to treason and similar security-related crimes. He said the current arrangement, where some suspects are allegedly facing trial in civilian court while others are being tried in a military court for the same offence, violates the principle of equality before the law.

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The senior advocate also questioned the legal competence of a General Court Martial to handle offences of treason under Nigeria’s democratic framework. He noted that even during military rule, coup-related offences were not typically handled by courts-martial but by special tribunals, reinforcing his argument that such cases fall outside military disciplinary jurisdiction.

Falana stressed that since the return to democratic governance in 1999, all treason and anti-democratic offences must be prosecuted exclusively in civilian courts, particularly the Federal High Court. He warned that any attempt to bypass this constitutional arrangement could amount to a breach of the rule of law and undermine public confidence in the justice system.

Reports indicate that about 36 military officers are being investigated over an alleged coup plot, with authorities reportedly considering both military disciplinary action and civilian prosecution. While official details remain limited, the matter has been described as a serious national security investigation currently under review by relevant authorities.

The Nigerian military has yet to respond publicly to Falana’s latest remarks, but has previously stated that internal disciplinary procedures are ongoing in accordance with military regulations. Legal observers say the controversy highlights ongoing debates over the boundary between military justice and civilian judicial authority in handling sensitive security cases in Nigeria.

Coup Plot Case: Falana Says Military Court Trial Is Unconstitutional

“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row

Media personality Daddy Freeze has reacted strongly to comments made by Nollywood actor Yul Edochie after he mocked broadcaster Roby Ekpo over his emotional breakdown while discussing his failed marriage.

The controversy started after Roby Ekpo appeared on a podcast where he became emotional while speaking about his marital crisis and separation from his ex-wife. The interview sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over whether men should openly express emotional pain in public.

Reacting on X, Yul Edochie criticised Ekpo for crying during the interview, arguing that men should not display such emotions over a relationship. He went further to suggest that instead of mourning a breakup, a man should “move on” by taking multiple wives and getting them pregnant at once.

His comments immediately triggered backlash, with many social media users accusing him of being insensitive and promoting unhealthy views about relationships and masculinity.

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In response, Daddy Freeze released a video where he questioned Yul’s reasoning, describing his remarks as illogical and insensitive. Speaking partly in Pidgin English, he mocked the actor’s suggestion about polygamy and childbearing, saying it was unrealistic and out of touch with reality.

He also criticised the idea that men should be shamed for showing emotion, arguing that public figures should be more thoughtful when discussing sensitive personal struggles like divorce and heartbreak.

Daddy Freeze’s reaction has intensified the online debate, with users now split between those supporting emotional openness for men and others defending Yul’s belief that men should handle relationship issues privately.

The exchange has continued to trend across social media platforms, with many also referencing both men’s previous public statements and controversies as part of the wider conversation on masculinity and mental health.

“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row

CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, have called for professional and responsible judicial reporting, warning that accurate communication between the media and the courts is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both officials spoke through representatives at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) held in Abuja, where stakeholders examined the theme: “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.”

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, representing the CJN, described the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional order, stressing that court decisions only achieve full democratic value when they are properly understood by the public. He warned that misrepresentation of court rulings and sensational journalism could weaken public trust in the justice system, especially at a time when Nigeria is preparing for a critical electoral cycle. According to him, journalists must avoid acting as “parallel courts” by independently interpreting judgments outside legal context or presenting incomplete judicial narratives.

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He further cautioned that inaccurate reporting of court proceedings could attract legal consequences, including contempt of court. Justice Adejumo also referenced past experiences where he summoned editors over what he described as false reports, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism. He warned: “Before you publish any sensational news that may put you behind the bar for years, be careful,” adding that lawyers who hold press briefings outside court premises in a manner that influences media coverage could also face sanctions.

Hussein Oloyede, who represented the AGF, stressed that the media must avoid being used as a tool for division, misinformation, or political manipulation. He said political actors must not be allowed to use the press to “tear the fabric of the nation,” insisting that national stability and unity must come before political competition. He added that government would not tolerate hate speech or incitement capable of undermining public peace, warning that Nigeria must remain stable before political contests can be meaningfully pursued.

The CJN’s address also emphasised the judiciary’s critical role in handling electoral disputes, noting that upcoming elections will test the strength of democratic institutions. She stressed that accurate and balanced judicial reporting is essential to maintaining public confidence in court decisions, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.

The conference brought together judges, legal practitioners, and journalists to explore how the judiciary and media can jointly strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between the courts and the press to improve understanding of judicial processes and reduce misinformation in public discourse. Analysts say the discussion reflects growing concern over the impact of media narratives on rule of law, election credibility, and public trust in the judiciary as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.

CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections