Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has said the military ought to have apologised to Nigerians for its earlier denial of a coup plot.
Falana’s remarks followed a recent announcement by the military that some officers would be court-martialled over an alleged plot to overthrow the government.
 
The military disclosed on Monday, after its October 2025 announcement, that 16 officers had been arrested for indiscipline and violations of service regulations.
 
At the time, the military had denied reports that the cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade was linked to a coup plot. It described the report as false, malicious and capable of creating unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.
 
However, reacting to the military’s latest statement, which acknowledged an alleged plot to overthrow the government, Falana said the development suggested that the authorities deliberately misled the public.
 
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ yesterday, Falana said the reversal of such a serious position without an apology was unacceptable
 
“Yesterday, the military authorities ought to have apologised to Nigerians. People in authority must learn to take us seriously as a people,” Falana said. “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.”
 
According to Falana, a public acknowledgement of the earlier denial and an apology after confirming the allegations would have been a more honourable approach.
 
Regardless, he expressed hope that the military would still apologise to Nigerians. Turning to the detained officers, Falana said they could not be tried by court-martial, insisting that a court-martial would have sufficed if the matter were merely one of indiscipline.
 
However, since it involves an alleged coup plot, he said the officers could only be charged with treason or treasonable felony, offences which are triable only before a Federal or State High Court.
 
Additionally, he condemned the denial of access to legal counsel for the detained officers, insisting that they have the right to meet with their lawyers, family members and doctors, rights that, according to him, have been withheld.
  
“Up to 42 people have been arrested. Those who have not been formally indicted should be released without further delay,” he urged.

No fewer than 16 military officers were indicted for plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, and they may get the maximum sentence at the end of their trial.