Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has strongly criticized the Nigerian military for its failure to issue a public apology to citizens following contradictory statements regarding an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's government. Falana made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Military's Contradictory Positions Draw Sharp Rebuke
Falana emphasized that the military authorities owed Nigerians a sincere apology for what he described as misleading and contradictory positions taken by the defense establishment. "Yesterday, the military authorities ought to have apologised to Nigerians," Falana stated firmly. "People in authority must learn to take us seriously as a people."
The senior advocate highlighted the military's initial denial of any coup plot in October 2025, when officials dismissed reports linking the cancellation of the Independence Day parade to such allegations as "false, malicious, and capable of creating unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians." This position was dramatically reversed on Monday, January 26, when the military announced that some officers would face a military judicial panel over an alleged coup plot.
From Denial to Confirmation: A Three-Month Investigation
The military's announcement came more than three months after authorities arrested 16 officers for acts initially described as indiscipline and violations of service regulations. Falana argued that this reversal without proper acknowledgment of the earlier misleading statement represented a serious breach of public trust.
"If you had made a statement three months ago that there was no coup plot and, in the course of your investigation, discovered that the matter went beyond indiscipline, you ought to have apologised to the Nigerian people," Falana explained. He maintained that changing such a serious position without a public apology was unacceptable and that acknowledging the error would have represented a more honorable course of action for the military establishment.
Legal Concerns Over Court Martial Proceedings
Falana raised significant legal objections to the military's decision to subject the detained officers to a court martial rather than civilian judicial proceedings. He argued that allegations involving a coup plot amount to treason or treasonable felony under Nigerian law, offenses which are triable only before a Federal or State High Court.
The human rights lawyer further condemned what he described as the denial of access to legal representation for the detained officers, insisting that they are constitutionally entitled to meet with their lawyers, family members, and medical personnel. Falana disclosed that up to 42 people had been arrested in connection with the matter and called for the immediate release of those who have not been formally charged with specific offenses.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Falana expressed hope that the military would still issue an apology to the Nigerian public for the contradictory statements regarding the alleged coup plot. He emphasized that such transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public confidence in the nation's security institutions.
The senior advocate's comments highlight ongoing concerns about military transparency and the proper handling of sensitive security matters in Nigeria. His critique underscores the importance of clear communication from security agencies and adherence to legal procedures in matters of national security significance.
