Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and well-known human rights lawyer, has criticized the Nigerian military for not issuing a public apology following their initial denial of a coup plot, before confirming that an investigation into the alleged attempt to undermine the government was underway.
Falana expressed his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, January 27. He emphasized that the military owes the Nigerian populace an apology for what he referred to as inconsistent statements made by the authorities.
"Yesterday, the military should have apologized to Nigerians. Those in authority must recognize the seriousness of the situation and the citizens’ concerns," Falana remarked.
The military's announcement on January 26 indicated that several officers would face a military court for their involvement in the alleged coup attempt. This declaration came over three months after the arrest of 16 officers for what was initially categorized as acts of indiscipline and breaches of military conduct.
In October 2025, the military had dismissed rumors suggesting that the cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade was connected to a coup plot, calling these claims "false, malicious, and likely to foster unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians."
In light of the military's reversal, Falana accused them of misleading the public. He stated, "If you previously declared there was no coup plot and subsequently found out that the case extended beyond mere indiscipline, a public apology was necessary for the Nigerian populace."
He argued that changing such a significant statement without acknowledging the error publicly was inappropriate and that an apology would demonstrate integrity and accountability. Falana expressed hope that the military would eventually offer an apology.
Furthermore, Falana criticized the military's choice to subject the detained officers to a court martial, emphasizing that coup-related allegations are serious offenses that should be tried only in a Federal or State High Court, according to Nigerian law.
He also condemned the perceived denial of legal representation for the detainees, asserting that they should have the right to meet with their lawyers, family, and medical professionals. Falana revealed that approximately 42 individuals had been apprehended in relation to this issue and called for the release of those who have not faced formal charges.
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