Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, has urged the Nigerian military to tender a public apology to Nigerians for initially denying the existence of an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Falana spoke against the backdrop of the Defence Headquarters’ recent confirmation that some military officers are being investigated and will face trial over an alleged attempt to overthrow the government — a position that sharply contrasts with its earlier categorical denial.
The senior lawyer said the military’s volte-face raises serious questions about transparency and institutional accountability, stressing that Nigerians were misled when the allegations first surfaced in October 2025.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government had abruptly cancelled the October 1 Independence Day parade marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary. Although reports soon linked the decision to a suspected coup plot, the Defence Headquarters dismissed such claims, insisting the cancellation and the arrest of some officers were unrelated to any attempt to seize power.
However, fresh disclosures later revealed that several officers were arrested in early October in connection with the alleged plot. On Monday, the military formally acknowledged that investigations had uncovered the involvement of some personnel in a plan to destabilise the government.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Falana argued that the latest admission underscores the need for an apology to the public.
According to him, institutions in authority must demonstrate responsibility by openly acknowledging errors, particularly on issues that touch national security and democratic stability.
He maintained that if the military initially believed the matter amounted to routine indiscipline but later discovered it involved a more serious offence, it owed Nigerians an explanation and an apology for the earlier denial.
Falana further questioned the decision to subject the suspects to a court martial, arguing that allegations of a coup plot transcend internal disciplinary issues.
He said offences bordering on treason or treasonable felony fall squarely within the jurisdiction of regular courts, not military tribunals.
The SAN also expressed concern over reports that some detained officers have been denied access to legal counsel, family members and medical care, describing such actions as a violation of fundamental rights.
He disclosed that about 42 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the matter and called on the authorities to release those who have not been formally charged.
Falana concluded by urging the military to align its actions with constitutional provisions and global best practices, warning that credibility is strengthened not by denial but by candour and respect for the rule of law.
