The Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, has urged the Nigerian government and military authorities to guarantee a fair and transparent trial for soldiers accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the government.
Sanusi expressed concern over reports that some of the suspects had been subjected to torture and denied access to their families and legal representatives. He stressed that the accused remain suspects and must be presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
“The Nigerian government has to make sure that there is a fair trial. We are deeply concerned by reports of torture and ill-treatment of the suspects,” Sanusi said in an interview with DCL Hausa.
He warned that the seriousness of the allegations should not be used as justification for denying fundamental rights. “No matter the magnitude of the offence they are accused of committing, it is still an allegation. Due process must be allowed to take its course,” he added.
Amnesty International said it initially refrained from commenting to avoid interfering with legal proceedings but decided to speak out after receiving credible reports of torture, denial of medical care, and restrictions on family access.
Sanusi also criticised what he described as a “media trial” running parallel to court proceedings, cautioning that intense coverage could prejudice public opinion against the suspects.
He reiterated Amnesty International’s position that the government must respect the rights of the accused and allow the courts to determine their guilt or innocence
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