Wives of 36 military personnel on trial for an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government say their husbands are suffering starvation, torture and severe health complications after months in military custody.
The women said on Sunday that prolonged deprivation and harsh detention conditions have left many detainees with failing eyesight, lung disease and psychological trauma.
According to one wife, her husband was among the first 16 officers arrested and was starved for about four days. “They were given only water to drink, just enough to keep them alive.
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They survived on water alone for four consecutive days,” she said. She added that her husband has lost significant weight and now suffers high blood pressure, while others have developed heart problems and enlarged lungs.
The women allege the health issues stem from repeated incidents in an underground detention facility where ventilation is cut off as punishment. “The only ventilation comes from a central air-conditioning system.
Whenever they want to punish them, they switch off electricity and ventilation and leave them there for long periods,” one wife said. She said the men begin to cough, choke and gasp for air until they scream because there are no windows or other source of fresh air.
Prolonged confinement in darkness has also damaged the detainees’ eyesight, the wives claim. “Most of them are now using glasses because they can no longer see properly. They cannot look directly at sunlight anymore,” she said.
The problem became obvious during Ramadan when the men struggled to read bold lettering in the Quran. Military doctors later issued prescription glasses, which the wives said confirms authorities are aware of the damage. Detainees with diabetes and other pre-existing conditions have reportedly worsened due to inadequate medical care.
The wives also described severe psychological effects from months of isolation and alleged mistreatment. “Psychologically, it has destroyed many of them. They are traumatised, depressed and constantly afraid,” one said. “They become agitated over the smallest things. They snap easily.” She noted her husband of over 10 years now reacts in ways she had never seen before his detention.
The 36 officers and soldiers are standing trial before a General Court-Martial on charges including conspiracy, mutiny and failure to suppress mutiny. The allegations have raised concerns over detainee treatment as the trial continues. The court-martial was recently adjourned after the tribunal president allegedly declared a prima facie case before the prosecution presented any evidence.
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