Families of detained coup suspects allege health issues, demand transparency

Families of Nigerian military officers facing trial for an alleged coup plot have voiced grave concerns over the health and well-being of their detained relatives. They claim that after months in detention, some officers are suffering from injuries, worsening eyesight, and respiratory problems.

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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.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the relatives appealed to the Nigerian government and military authorities. They urged for transparency in the ongoing court-martial proceedings and requested permission for independent medical examinations of the accused officers. Aisha Yusuf, representing the families, stated that the detained officers and their families have endured nine months of emotional distress and uncertainty since the arrests.

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We love our country. We respect the military and its laws. But we are deeply afraid for our loved ones. We are speaking now because we believe the truth is being suppressed.

Yusuf emphasized that the families respect the military's authority and the judicial process. However, they are deeply worried about their loved ones and believe the truth is being concealed. Access to the detained officers is reportedly heavily restricted, with families and lawyers allowed only one visit per week. The families also allege that officers were denied legal or family representation during statement-taking and have not received complete medical reports despite visible signs of illness.

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They have not been given full medical reports, even though some of them have visible injuries. Many are losing their eyesight and having lung issues due to their long stay in underground facilities and no ventilation.

Furthermore, the families accused military authorities of subjecting the officers to degrading treatment during court appearances, describing it as an "open desecration of their human rights and dignity." While acknowledging that the court will determine guilt or innocence, Yusuf argued that the process must be fair and open. The families are calling for international human rights observers to attend the proceedings.

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They are being leg- and hand-chained in Court Martial, in an open desecration of their human rights and dignity. These are officers who are being humiliated so brazenly and openly that one can only imagine what happens behind the scenes.