The President of the General Court-Martial hearing the case of 36 Nigerian military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that the facility where the officers are being detained is “unsuitable.”
Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji made the disclosure during proceedings in Abuja following complaints about the condition of the detention facility and restrictions placed on lawyers and family members seeking access to the accused officers.
The court president said the authorities responsible for the detention had already been informed that restrictions on access to the accused could not continue indefinitely, warning that such limitations could affect their right to a fair trial and adequate legal representation.
He further directed defence lawyers to arrive early at the court to enable them to spend more time with their clients before proceedings begin, while discussions continue on how to improve access to the detained officers.
On the condition of the detention facility, Air Vice Marshal Alhaji said facilities operated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police were considerably better, acknowledging that the current facility did not provide satisfactory conditions.
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He also said the court was not satisfied with the restrictions placed on lawyers and family members, stressing that defence counsel must have sufficient opportunity to meet with their clients, particularly as the trial approaches the stage of hearing evidence.
The case involves 36 Nigerian military personnel accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The allegations remain unproven, and the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
