Falana Criticises Military Over Delayed Admission of Alleged Coup Plot

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has challenged the Nigerian military command over its recent conduct. He argues the military should have apologised for initially denying an alleged coup attempt. The senior advocate spoke during a live interview on Tuesday afternoon.

The controversy began when the military high command dismissed reports of a plot last week. However, the authorities later confirmed the arrest of several officers linked to the conspiracy. Falana contends that the initial denial misled the Nigerian public and the international community.

He stressed that transparency is vital for maintaining public trust in the armed forces. The lawyer insisted that an apology would demonstrate accountability and professional integrity. Falana also noted that misleading statements can harm the credibility of the entire institution.

Furthermore, Falana called for a fair trial for the detained military officers. He warned against using the situation to suppress legitimate dissent within the ranks. The senior lawyer urged the government to address the root causes of internal dissatisfaction. He highlighted that economic stability and welfare are essential for a loyal military.

Falana reminded the authorities that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy under the law. He noted that military operations must always align with democratic principles and transparency. The legal expert concluded that admitting errors is a sign of institutional strength, not weakness.