The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has reportedly barred lawyers and family members from visiting military personnel detained over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, following claims by some of the accused that they were tortured into making confessional statements.
The restriction, according to sources familiar with the matter, came shortly after several detained officers and witnesses raised the allegations before a court during a trial-within-a-trial convened to determine whether statements presented by the prosecution were voluntarily made and admissible as evidence.
At least 35 military personnel are currently facing trial over allegations that they conspired to overthrow the Tinubu-led government.
During the court proceedings, some of the accused officers reportedly alleged that they were subjected to torture and other forms of coercion while in custody. They claimed the actions were carried out under the direction of a senior military intelligence officer, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze.
According to the officers, they were allegedly forced to memorise and repeat statements prepared by investigators rather than provide their own accounts voluntarily.
“They were tortured and compelled to repeat statements written for them by their interrogators. That testimony became part of the trial-within-a-trial,” a source familiar with the proceedings was quoted as saying.
The allegations have sparked concerns over the integrity of the investigation and the credibility of the confessional statements the prosecution is seeking to rely on. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and neither the DIA nor Brigadier General Ashinze had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Ashinze’s reported involvement in the investigation has also attracted renewed attention due to his previous prosecution in connection with the alleged diversion of funds from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki.
In 2017, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness told a Federal High Court in Abuja that Ashinze and others allegedly received about ₦5.6 billion from the former NSA’s office. He was subsequently prosecuted in relation to the arms procurement scandal involving funds meant for the fight against insurgency.
Citing that history, some sources questioned the decision to assign him a prominent role in investigating officers accused of treason.
“His involvement has raised serious concerns about the credibility and impartiality of the investigation. Many believe the process is being driven by political considerations rather than objective evidence,” another source alleged.
Sources further claimed that legal representatives and relatives were denied access to the detainees almost immediately after the torture allegations surfaced in court.
“Immediately after the torture allegations became public in court, access to the detainees was stopped. Lawyers and relatives are no longer being allowed to visit,” a source said.
Another insider alleged that the move was intended to prevent the officers from disclosing further details about their treatment while in detention.
“The belief among those close to the matter is that Ashinze and his team are trying to cover their tracks after the torture allegations surfaced in court,” the source claimed.
However, sources within the intelligence agency reportedly maintained that the restrictions were introduced after mobile phones and batteries were allegedly discovered in the possession of some detainees, describing the incident as a security breach that warranted tighter control over access to the detention facility.
Those close to the accused officers disputed that explanation, insisting the timing of the decision was suspicious.
“They are saying phones and batteries were found with some detainees, but the timing speaks for itself. The restrictions came immediately after the torture allegations were made before the court,” another source said.
Lawyers representing the detained personnel have condemned the reported denial of access, arguing that it violates the constitutional rights of the accused to consult with legal counsel and adequately prepare their defence.
Relatives of the officers also expressed concern over their welfare, alleging that the prolonged communication blackout has heightened fears about their safety and health. They further claimed their loved ones were being deliberately isolated to stop them from revealing more details about the conditions of their detention.
The detained officers have also reportedly continued to appear before the court in handcuffs and leg restraints despite repeated objections from their defence lawyers. According to sources, the restraints were allegedly not removed even when the detainees needed to use the restroom.
