Lawyers Representing Alleged Tinubu Coup Plotters Accuse DIA Of Listening In On Conversations With Detained Suspects

 

According to the lawyers, the presence of the DIA official raised concerns among counsel, who collectively decided not to proceed with the interviews until the official was removed.

Counsel representing individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu have accused the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) of denying them privacy during interviews with their clients, alleging that an agency official was assigned to listen to their conversations.

The lawyers, who visited the DIA on Monday to interview their clients, told SaharaReporters that they were surprised to discover that they would not be allowed to conduct the interviews privately, as a DIA staff member was allegedly attached to them to monitor their discussions.

The legal team, which included Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olalekan Ojo, reportedly objected to the arrangement, insisting that no third party should be present while lawyers consult with their clients.

According to the lawyers, the presence of the DIA official raised concerns among counsel, who collectively decided not to proceed with the interviews until the official was removed.

One of the lawyers, describing the incident to SaharaReporters, said, “When we, including the learned Silk, Olalekan Ojo SAN, arrived at the DIA today (Monday) to interview our clients, to our surprise, we were not availed privacy with our clients, as a DIA staff was attached as a companion to listen to our conversations.”

The lawyers described the arrangement as unacceptable and said all counsel present agreed that they would not proceed with the interviews under the circumstances.

“This nauseating arrangement was contested, and all the counsel present agreed that we would not proceed with the interview until the companions are removed,” the lawyer said.

The legal team reportedly brought the matter to the attention of the DIA coordinator, who addressed the lawyers but insisted that agency officials had to be present during the interviews.

Following the disagreement, the lawyers said they had been advised to maintain a united position and insist that no other person should be present during consultations with their clients.

The legal team also said Olalekan Ojo SAN advised all lawyers present to formally report the incident to the court in writing while they awaited a resolution of the disagreement.

“We are strongly advised that we should all follow suit and insist that no other person should be present while we conduct interviews with our clients,” the lawyer said.

“The learned Silk has also advised that all lawyers present there should report this ugly incident to the court in writing while we wait for a resolution,” the lawyer added.

The alleged coup plot first became public following the arrest of serving and retired military officers in late September 2025, as previously reported by SaharaReporters.

The Defence Headquarters initially described the arrests as relating to military discipline before subsequently acknowledging that the officers were being investigated over an alleged coup plot.

The military later established the General Court Martial, while a separate Federal High Court case was brought against six alleged conspirators. Defendants in the civilian court proceedings have denied wrongdoing, while some have challenged the admissibility of statements and other evidence tendered by the prosecution.

The alleged plot has been described by investigators as involving plans to seize strategic government and military facilities and establish control over key communication points.

The proceedings are being held at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS