Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Nigerian military to release officers detained in connection with a rumoured coup attempt, insisting that their continued detention violates fundamental human rights.
The controversy followed the Federal Government’s decision in October 2025 to cancel activities planned for Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. Shortly after the announcement, reports emerged linking the cancellation to an alleged coup plot. The Defence Headquarters later dismissed the claims, stating that the cancellation had no connection to any coup attempt and that the arrest of some officers was unrelated.
Despite the denial, reports later surfaced indicating that 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of October, while two others were reportedly on the run. Falana, reacting in a statement on Monday, said investigations have confirmed that the detained officers are being probed over their alleged involvement in the rumoured plot.
The senior advocate expressed concern that families and legal representatives of the officers have allegedly been denied access to them for nearly three months. He stressed that the detained personnel are presumed innocent and are entitled to their fundamental rights under the law.
Falana said while he strongly opposes any form of unconstitutional takeover of government, prolonged detention without trial cannot be justified. He therefore demanded the conditional or unconditional release of the officers.
He added that if there is credible evidence against them, the military should arraign the officers before appropriate courts martial in line with the Armed Forces Act and the Nigerian Constitution. According to him, adherence to due process is essential to protecting democracy and the rule of law.
