Families of military officers standing trial over an alleged coup plot on Friday raised alarm over the worsening health condition of their detained relatives, alleging that prolonged detention has left some with injuries, failing eyesight and respiratory complications.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the relatives appealed to the Federal Government and military authorities to ensure transparency in the ongoing court-martial proceedings and permit independent medical examinations of the accused officers.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Aisha Yusuf said the detained officers and their relatives had endured months of emotional distress and uncertainty since the arrests, which occurred about nine months ago.
She stressed that the families were not challenging the authority of the military or attempting to obstruct the judicial process but were concerned about what they described as a lack of openness in the handling of the case.
According to her, access to the detained officers remained heavily restricted, with family members and lawyers allegedly limited to one visit per week.
Yusuf further alleged that the officers were denied the presence of legal representatives and relatives during the taking of statements and had not been provided with complete medical reports despite visible signs of ill health.
She claimed that several of the detainees were suffering from deteriorating eyesight and respiratory ailments allegedly linked to prolonged confinement in poorly ventilated underground facilities.
The families also accused military authorities of subjecting the officers to degrading treatment during court appearances.
Yusuf alleged that the accused officers were being brought before the court-martial in leg and hand restraints, describing the practice as a violation of their dignity and fundamental rights.
While acknowledging that the court would ultimately determine the guilt or innocence of the officers, she insisted that the process must be transparent, fair and in line with established legal standards.
The families called on military authorities to open the proceedings to the media and the public, permit international human rights observers to attend the trial and allow independent medical practitioners to assess the health condition of the detainees.
They also urged the international community to closely monitor the proceedings to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
Speaking separately, Shafa’atu Ali Agbo, wife of Lt. Col. M.A. Al-Makura, alleged that many of the detained officers were experiencing serious health challenges.
She claimed that military authorities had recommended corrective glasses for some of the officers due to worsening eyesight.
Also, Aisha Nana Usman, wife of Lt. Col. Sadiq Mohammed, alleged that the detained officers had been denied basic rights since their arrest.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to respond to the allegations made by the families.
