Falana Blasts Military Over Coup Plot Denial, Says Nigerians Deserve an Apology

Falana Blasts Military Over Coup Plot Denial, Says Nigerians Deserve an Apology

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has criticised the Nigerian military over its handling of the recent alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, insisting that Nigerians deserve a public apology for earlier denials.

Speaking in an interview, Falana said the military’s reversal from initially dismissing reports of a coup attempt has undermined public trust. “If you had publicly stated months ago that there was no coup plot and later discovered that the issue went beyond mere indiscipline, you ought to have apologised to the Nigerian people,” he said.

The remarks follow the Defence Headquarters’ announcement that several military officers, detained since October 2025, will face trial over an alleged attempted overthrow of the government. The initial denial had linked reports of the cancelled Independence Day celebrations to “false and malicious claims,” prompting concerns about transparency and accountability.

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Falana also questioned the military’s legal approach, stating that alleged coup plots or treason cases should ideally be tried in a Federal or State High Court, rather than solely by a military tribunal. He raised concerns that some detained officers and their families have reportedly been denied access to legal counsel and medical care, calling for the release of those not formally indicted.

Civil society groups and political analysts have echoed calls for transparency, urging the government to clarify circumstances around the alleged coup plot and sudden changes in military leadership, warning that mixed messages could fuel public anxiety.

Falana’s comments underscore broader issues about civil-military relations, rule of law, and the need for state institutions to maintain credibility, especially in matters affecting national security and democracy.

Falana Blasts Military Over Coup Plot Denial, Says Nigerians Deserve an Apology