Families Demand Open Trial for Alleged Coup Plotters

Families of individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have expressed concerns over what they describe as "delay tactics" in the legal proceedings. The accused military officers have been in custody for nearly five months without access to legal counsel, raising alarms about due process and the right to a fair hearing.

The families urge the Nigerian public and international community to scrutinize the inconsistencies in the official narrative, including claims of a ten billion naira plot. They are calling for an open trial and have warned against any closed-door proceedings.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, a former director of army public relations, spoke about the importance of adhering to military and civilian legal procedures. Despite assurances of an investigation, formal arraignment has yet to occur.

Reports indicate that 35 military personnel, including high-ranking officers, are detained in connection with the alleged plot, which the Defence Intelligence Agency claims was based on covert surveillance operations.