Femi Falana Demands Military Apology Over Coup Plot Denial
In a significant development concerning Nigeria’s national security and democratic integrity, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Nigerian military to issue a formal apology to the nation. This demand follows the military’s recent admission of an alleged coup plot—a situation they had vehemently denied just months prior.
The controversy highlights a growing tension between national security operations and the public’s right to transparent governance. As we navigate the political landscape of 2026, Falana’s critique serves as a reminder that institutional accountability is the bedrock of a stable democracy.
The Timeline: From Denial to Admission
The saga began in October 2025, when the Federal Government abruptly cancelled the 65th Independence Day parade. At the time, widespread reports suggested the cancellation was linked to a foiled coup attempt and the arrest of several high-ranking officers.
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed these claims as “false and malicious,” insisting that the arrests of 16 officers were merely related to “routine acts of indiscipline and service breaches.”
The Shift in 2026:
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the military issued a startling reversal. A statement from the DHQ confirmed that investigations into the 16 officers had concluded, and several were indeed found to have been involved in a plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Why Femi Falana is Demanding an Apology
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Femi Falana argued that the military’s initial denial was a deliberate attempt to mislead the Nigerian public.
“People in authority must learn to take us seriously as a people. If you had made a statement three months ago that there was no coup plot and, in the course of your investigation, discovered the matter went beyond indiscipline, you ought to have apologised to the Nigerian people.” — Femi Falana, SAN.
Falana’s argument rests on three main pillars:
- Public Trust: Misleading the public erodes the trust necessary for a healthy civil-military relationship.
- Transparency: In a democracy, the government and its agencies owe the citizens honesty, especially regarding threats to the constitutional order.
- Legal Integrity: Since the officers are now facing a military judicial panel, the earlier “indiscipline” narrative appears to have been a smokescreen to avoid public scrutiny.
The Legal Implications of the Coup Plot Trial
The officers found culpable are set to face a military judicial panel. Under the Armed Forces Act, plotting to overthrow a democratically elected government is a capital offense.
Falana, while maintaining his staunch opposition to any unconstitutional change of government, emphasized that the accused must still be granted their fundamental human rights. He had previously called for the officers to be either released or formally arraigned, citing that they had been held for nearly three months without proper legal access.
The Broader Context: Security and Stability in 2026
The admission of a coup plot comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant economic hardships and regional instability. Critics and experts suggest that:
- Economic Frustration: Mass discontent often provides the “enabling environment” that anti-democratic elements exploit.
- Regional Trends: With a string of successful and attempted coups in West Africa (Benin, Guinea-Bissau, etc.), the Nigerian military’s admission adds to the regional anxiety regarding democratic backsliding.
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