We Have Been Tortured!” Wives Of Alleged Coup Plotters Break Silence, Demand Transparency

Families of military officers detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu have accused the military of torture and human rights violations during ongoing court-martial proceedings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The allegations were made on Friday in Abuja by Aishatu Yusufu, who spoke as spokesperson for the wives of the detained officers.

Yusufu said the families were compelled to speak out, claiming that key details surrounding the case were being suppressed.

She stressed that the families are not opposing the military institution but are deeply concerned about the treatment of their loved ones since their arrest about nine months ago.

“We are family members, wives and children of detained officers accused of a coup plot. We are not politicians; we are not anarchists; we are only law-abiding citizens compelled to speak out,” she said.

According to her, the detained officers have been subjected to intimidation, denied access to lawyers and family visits for over 180 days, and held under harsh conditions.

She also alleged that some of the detainees are suffering from serious health challenges, including deteriorating eyesight and respiratory complications, which she attributed to prolonged confinement in underground facilities.

“We and our loved ones have been tortured, oppressed, suppressed, traumatised, humiliated, tormented and bullied,” she said.

Yusufu further claimed that the officers were denied legal representation during interrogation and were brought before the court-martial in handcuffs and leg chains.

She added that neither the detainees nor their families were granted access to full medical reports, despite visible injuries in some cases.

While noting that the families are not attempting to determine guilt or innocence, she said they are demanding a fair, open, and transparent judicial process.

The group called on military authorities to open the trial to the media and public, allow independent human rights observers to monitor proceedings, and permit independent medical examinations of the detainees.

“We are asking for transparency,” Yusufu said.

She also urged international human rights organisations to closely monitor the case, insisting that justice must be seen in both process and outcome.

“The military should show irrefutable evidence. If there is nothing to hide, they should show everything,” she added.

The families vowed to continue advocating peacefully and lawfully for accountability and due process in the handling of the case.