Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to be transparent and provide clear information about the reported arrests of individuals allegedly linked to a coup plot in Nigeria.
Falana made the appeal on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television, where he said the government’s silence and lack of clear communication had fueled public speculation and conspiracy theories about the alleged incident.
According to him, Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the matter, especially since news of arrests connected to the alleged plot has already circulated widely in the media and online platforms.
“The government must be open with Nigerians,” Falana said. “You know, a lot of conspiracy theories are going on, and as a lawyer, I can only speak of what I know that is within the public domain.”
He warned that keeping citizens in the dark about such a sensitive issue could create fear, mistrust, and confusion at a time when the nation is facing multiple challenges, including economic hardship and security concerns.
Falana, one of Nigeria’s most respected legal voices, said transparency was critical in helping the government gain public trust and maintain democratic stability.
He explained that when governments communicate clearly about national security issues, citizens are more likely to cooperate and resist anti-democratic forces.
“Transparency would enable the government to gain public trust and support in the fight against anti-democratic elements,” he said.
While acknowledging that some details of security matters may need to remain classified, the lawyer insisted that the public has a right to basic information, especially when arrests have already been made and reports are circulating widely.
He added that keeping quiet or being vague about the alleged coup attempt would only encourage more rumours and false stories, which could destabilize the country.
In recent weeks, reports have emerged suggesting that security agencies arrested several individuals in connection with a suspected coup plot against the current administration. However, the Federal Government has not issued any official statement confirming or denying these claims.
This lack of communication has led to growing speculation and debate among citizens and political observers. Some have expressed concern that the situation, if not handled transparently, could damage public confidence in the government and the country’s democratic process.
Falana said the government must provide a clear and factual update on the situation to prevent misinformation from spreading further.
“When the government remains silent, people will fill the gap with rumours,” he said. “Once details of arrests are already in the public domain, there is no justification for secrecy.”
Falana also used the opportunity to urge the government to focus on tackling the broader issue of insecurity across the country. He said the Nigerian Constitution clearly states that the primary duty of government is to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.
“The government must address insecurity and ensure the protection of all Nigerians under the constitution,” he said.
He emphasized that the focus should be on building a stable and peaceful nation, not just reacting to alleged plots.
According to Falana, addressing root causes of discontent—such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and social injustice—would go a long way in discouraging anti-democratic actions.
During the interview, Falana also spoke on the economic situation in the country. He noted that despite challenges, the government is currently earning more from oil sales due to the removal of fuel subsidies and improved oil production levels.
“As far as I’m concerned, the government is making more money on the sale of oil,” he said. “Apart from the removal of fuel subsidies, the government has also been able to increase oil production in our country.”
He, however, questioned why this increased revenue has not translated into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians, many of whom are struggling with high inflation, rising food prices, and unemployment.
Falana urged the government to channel the additional revenue into projects that directly benefit the people, such as job creation, healthcare, and education.
Falana’s comments come amid rising concern about the resurgence of military coups in parts of West Africa. In recent years, countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have experienced takeovers by their armed forces, often justified by claims of government corruption or insecurity.
These developments have raised fears of instability spreading across the region and renewed discussions about the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
Nigeria, which returned to democratic rule in 1999 after years of military dictatorship, has so far remained under civilian leadership. However, the growing hardship, insecurity, and distrust in political leadership have led some analysts to warn that frustration among citizens could create an environment where anti-democratic actors might attempt to exploit public anger.
Falana’s call for openness and transparency is therefore seen by many as a timely reminder of the importance of trust between the government and the people in safeguarding democracy.
In his closing remarks, Falana reiterated that it was not enough for the government to dismiss allegations or label them as security matters without explanation. He said that in a democracy, citizens have the right to know what is happening in their country, especially regarding issues that affect national stability.
He advised that rather than silence or vague statements, the government should issue an official update clarifying the nature of the alleged arrests, the identities of those involved (if possible), and the measures being taken to ensure due process.
Falana maintained that only openness, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law can prevent Nigeria from sliding into uncertainty.
“As a people, we must always defend democracy,” he said. “The best way to do that is through truth, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.”
