Alleged Coup Plot: Show evidence if there’s nothing to hide, wives tell military

Wives and family members of officers detained over the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu have accused the military of torture, secret detention and denial of access to lawyers for more than 180 days.

The families also demanded that the ongoing proceedings be opened to the media, the public and international human rights observers, insisting that the truth about the case is being suppressed.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Aishatu Yusufu, spokesperson for the wives of the detained officers, said the families were forced to speak out because of growing fears over the condition of their loved ones.

“We are family members, wives and children of detained officers accused of a coup plot,” she said.

“We are not politicians; we are not anarchists; we are only 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 are speaking now because we believe the truth is being suppressed.”

Yusufu said the detained officers had been in custody for about nine months, alleging that they and their families had been subjected to intimidation, humiliation and psychological trauma.

“We and our loved ones have been tortured, oppressed, suppressed, traumatised, humiliated, tormented and bullied,” she said.

She claimed that both the families and lawyers of the detained officers were denied access to them for over 180 days despite repeated appeals.

“We and their lawyers were not allowed to see them for over 180 days, despite our countless appeals,” she said.

“We have not been given full medical reports, even though some of our relatives have visible injuries.”

The families further alleged that some of the officers had developed health complications, including deteriorating eyesight and respiratory problems, because of prolonged detention in underground facilities.

Yusufu also claimed that statements were taken from the officers without their lawyers or family members present.

She said the families were disturbed that the officers were brought before the court-martial in handcuffs and leg chains.

According to her, the families are not asking the public to determine whether the accused officers are guilty or innocent, but are demanding a transparent process that can withstand public scrutiny.

“We are asking for transparency,” she said.

“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.”

Yusufu challenged the military to present its evidence openly if the case against the officers is strong.

“The military should show irrefutable evidence. If there is nothing to hide, they should show everything,” she said.

“We will continue to speak peacefully and lawfully.”

The families also called on the international community to monitor the case closely, saying justice must not only be reflected in the final verdict but also in the way the trial is conducted.

The federal government had filed a 13-count charge against six security officers and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged plot to overthrow Tinubu’s administration.

The charges include treason, terrorism and terrorism financing.

The case followed the arrest of several military officers in October 2025 after the Defence Headquarters said it uncovered an alleged coup plot.

The accused persons have denied the allegations and are facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The defendants include Sylva; Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired major general; Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired captain; and Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector.

Others are Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani