Isa Sanusi, the head of Amnesty International Nigeria, has urged federal and military officials to provide a transparent and impartial trial for soldiers suspected of participating in a coup plot. Sanusi voiced significant worry regarding claims that detainees are being subjected to torture and mistreatment while in custody.
Speaking to DCL Hausa, Sanusi emphasized that these soldiers must be treated as innocent until a court delivers a verdict. He argued that the severity of the charges does not negate the fundamental rights of the accused to fair treatment and legal representation. The organization, which initially refrained from commenting, stepped in after receiving credible reports regarding the denial of medical care and restricted access to family members.
Furthermore, Sanusi criticized what he termed a media trial, noting that aggressive coverage could unfairly sway public opinion against the suspects. He reaffirmed that Amnesty International expects the government to uphold human rights and allow the judicial process to function without outside pressure.
