Coup Plot Trial Controversy: Femi Falana asks FG to halt court-martial of 36 suspects
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt the planned court-martial of 36 military personnel accused of plotting a coup, warning that the move could violate constitutional provisions.
Falana argued that trying the suspects before a military tribunal may be legally flawed, particularly if the alleged offences fall outside the scope of purely military discipline and venture into criminal matters that should be handled by civilian courts.
The senior advocate stressed that the accused persons are entitled to fair hearing and due process under the law, insisting that any deviation could undermine the credibility of the justice system.
His intervention comes amid heightened tension following the military’s recent inauguration of a General Court-Martial to try officers and personnel linked to the alleged plot to overthrow the government.
While the armed forces have maintained that the proceedings are in line with military laws, Falana warned that constitutional safeguards must not be sacrificed in the name of national security.
The development sets the stage for a potential legal showdown between civil rights advocates and the military authorities over jurisdiction and the proper forum for prosecuting alleged coup-related offences.
As the controversy deepens, attention is now focused on whether the Federal Government will heed Falana’s call or proceed with the court-martial of the accused personnel.
