Nigeria: concerns continue about the court-martial of coup suspects

Sahara Reporters highlighted the alleged abusive treatment of the accused in a pending secret court-martial of officers alleged to have attempted a coup--Outrage Trails DHQ Secret Court-Martial As Military Officers Appear In Leg Chains, Battle Untreated Infections, Families Barred From Proceedings.

The Guardian (Nigeria) now reports concerns about the overall process--Alleged coup trial sparks tension as defence lawyers challenge military proceedings.

Tension and confusion have reportedly engulfed the ongoing secret court martial of military officers accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as defence lawyers intensify objections over what they describe as inconsistent and “recycled” charges.

Sources familiar with the proceedings say the session became heated after defence counsel openly challenged the military prosecution, accusing it of repeatedly altering and withdrawing charges in a manner they argue undermines the credibility of the case.

According to insiders, the prosecution has allegedly presented multiple versions of the charges at different stages of the hearing, raising questions among defence lawyers about the coherence and legal foundation of the allegations against the detained officers.