A top security source who spoke to SaharaReporters disclosed that Lieutenant Commander Abdullahi, one of the 36 military personnel currently in detention over the alleged coup plot, is suffering severe health complications after enduring a prolonged torture in a military facility.
Fresh concerns have emerged over the welfare of the detained Nigerian military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as one of the officers is reportedly going blind following alleged torture in custody.Nigerian political news
A top security source who spoke to SaharaReporters disclosed that Lieutenant Commander Abdullahi, one of the 36 military personnel currently in detention over the alleged coup plot, is suffering severe health complications after enduring a prolonged torture in a military facility.
According to the source, the officer’s condition has deteriorated, raising fears about his survival and the broader treatment of other detainees.
One of the officers is going blind due to alleged torture. Lieutenant Commander Abdullahi is almost blind,” the source revealed.
The insider further alleged that the group of detained personnel had been subjected to harsh and degrading conditions.
The source further revealed that beyond the case of Lt. Commander Abdullahi, many of the detained personnel are suffering from various health complications, believed to have been caused or worsened by the conditions in which they are being held.
“Most of them have rashes on their bodies. Their living conditions are getting terrible,” the source added.
The officers, who were arrested over allegations of involvement in a coup plot, have reportedly been kept in detention facilities described by insiders as “dungeons,” where access to proper medical care, hygiene, and basic human necessities is said to be severely limited.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the Defence Headquarters concluded plans to commence a secret court-martial for 36 military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Tinubu, despite reportedly failing to serve formal charges on the accused, SaharaReporters has learnt.
According to sources familiar with the development, the detained personnel have not been officially charged.
A source disclosed on Friday that the secret trial was set to begin, despite the fact that basic legal procedures had yet to be completed.
“No charges have been served on the accused officers but a secret court-martial is set to begin,” the source said.
The source further revealed that visitation rights for the detained military personnel have been abruptly halted, leaving families in distress and uncertainty.
“Additionally, visitation has been halted,” the source added.
Raising the alarm over the condition of the accused, the source warned that many of the detained soldiers have not had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel, placing them in a precarious legal position.
Those who are yet to discuss with their legal counsel are now vulnerable. The military should comply with the law. Treason is an extremely sensitive matter. Families will resist any injustice,” the source said.
