The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the alleged leakage of a detailed military investigation report on an aborted coup plot, warning that the manner in which the report surfaced in the media has compromised national security and the constitutional rights of those named.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its national Cordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the development as “incredible and disturbing,” accusing unnamed officials of deliberately leaking a sensitive national security document to sections of the media, thereby turning a grave security matter into what it called a “one-sided media trial.”
The rights group expressed concern that reports on the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have been presented without balance, objectivity, or verification, in clear violation of core journalistic standards.
According to HURIWA, the sensational publication of alleged details of the investigation—before any judicial process—amounts to propaganda and risks prejudicing public opinion against the indicted officers.
The group recalled that when reports of a coup plot first emerged, the Federal Government dismissed them as false. Weeks later, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that some officers had indeed been arrested and investigated. Shortly after that confirmation, detailed contents of the investigation reportedly began circulating widely in both mainstream and social media.
HURIWA questioned the motive behind what it described as an “untidy and dangerous handling” of a matter bordering on national security.
“Who leaked the report, and for what purpose?” the group asked, insisting that the disclosure has cast serious doubt on the credibility, transparency, and intent of the entire investigative process.
The organisation urged President Tinubu to immediately order an investigation to determine how the report was leaked and to identify those responsible, stressing that sensitive security matters should be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
HURIWA warned that the widespread circulation of the report has reduced a serious national security issue to public gossip, undermining Nigeria’s image and making the country appear unserious on matters of state security.
The group also raised alarm over the impact of the leak on the constitutional rights of the indicted officers, noting that Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence and the right to fair hearing.
According to HURIWA, the one-sided media narrative has effectively convicted the accused in the court of public opinion, making it practically impossible for them to receive a fair trial if and when formal judicial proceedings commence.
The group called on the President to ensure that due process is followed, judicial mechanisms activated, and the rights of all indicted persons protected in line with the Constitution.
HURIWA also appealed to the media to exercise restraint, professionalism, and ethical judgment in reporting the alleged coup investigation.
It urged journalists to avoid sensationalism and over-dramatisation, warning that reckless reportage of unproven allegations could endanger lives, destabilise institutions, and erode public trust.
HURIWA Faults Coup Report Leak, Warns Against Media Trial
