Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, has asked the Nigerian military to release officers detained over alleged involvement in a coup plot aimed at terminating Nigeria’s democracy.

In October 2025, the Federal Government announced the cancellation of the parade earlier scheduled to celebrate the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

Days later, reports emerged linking the cancellation of the Independence Day celebrations to an alleged coup attempt.

However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the reports, insisting that the cancellation had no connection to any coup plot.

The DHQ also clarified that the arrest of 16 officers mentioned in the reports was unrelated to any alleged coup attempt.

On October 31, 2025, 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of the month over the alleged coup plot, while two others were said to be on the run.

Reacting to the continued detention of the officers in a statement on Monday, Falana said that despite official denials, it had been confirmed that the affected military personnel were being investigated over the rumoured coup plot.

The human rights lawyer said families and lawyers of the detained officers had been denied access to them for almost three months.

He called on military authorities to arraign the officers before a court-martial if there was prima facie evidence against them.

“Notwithstanding the official denial, we have confirmed that the detained military officers have been investigated for their alleged involvement in the rumoured coup plot,” the statement read.

“We have, however, been informed by family members and lawyers of some of the detained military officers that they have been denied access to them for almost three months.

“It is pertinent to point out that the authorities are under a legal obligation to respect the human rights of the detained military officers, since they are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by the state.

“Even though we are totally opposed to any form of unconstitutional change of government, we are compelled to demand the conditional or unconditional release of the detained military officers from custody.

“However, if there is prima facie evidence that they plotted to overthrow the government, they should be arraigned before special and general courts-martial in line with the provisions of the Armed Forces Act and the Nigerian Constitution.”

_______________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626