Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has sharply criticised the Nigerian military for not apologising to the public after initially denying reports of a coup plot, only for the Defence Headquarters to later confirm alleged involvement of some officers in a plan to overthrow the government. 

Falana made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, saying the armed forces “ought to have apologised to Nigerians” for misleading the nation and urged authorities to take accountability for their reversal. He stressed that leaders “must learn to take us seriously as a people” when communicating matters of national importance.

The controversy stems from events dating back to October 2025, when the military arrested at least 16 officers for alleged indiscipline and violations of service regulations. 

At the time, the Defence Headquarters dismissed claims that these arrests were linked to any coup attempt and denied that the cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade was connected to a plot to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government.

 However, more than three months later, the military disclosed that some of those detained would face a military judicial panel over an alleged coup plan, contradicting its earlier denials.

Falana argued that the reversal without a public apology was unacceptable and could undermine trust between the military and civilians.

 He also questioned the planned court-martial process, noting that allegations relating to a coup would amount to treason or treasonable felony charges that, in his view, should be tried in Federal or State High Courts rather than military tribunals. 

Additionally, the senior advocate condemned reports that the detained officers have been denied access to legal counsel, family visits, and medical care, and urged that those not formally charged be released promptly.