The legal representatives of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum have dismissed allegations of an escape attempt, asserting that he is presently being held in an undisclosed location by the ruling junta.

Contrary to the junta’s claims on Thursday, alleging that Bazoum and his family, aided by collaborators within the security forces, had planned to transport a vehicle to the outskirts of the capital Niamey, and then take a helicopter to neighboring Nigeria, the lawyers said, Bazoum and his family have been denied access to legal counsel or any external communication.

As legal representatives challenge the junta to provide evidence of the president, his wife, and his son’s well-being, international relations experts suggest that the junta understands the significance of keeping Bazoum alive and is likely to proceed in that direction.