The exhumation and burial of the Executed Generals and a Colonel is being delayed because the pathologist has not completed DNA tests to identify their real identities.

A release from the Executive Committee on Exhumation and Burial of Executed Generals signed by Air Marshal M. A. Otu said: "Until the pathologist has completed all the preliminary arrangements, which are far advanced towards the DNA tests leading to full identification, exhumation of the remains cannot start."

It gave an assurance to the wives and families and "all concerned that the exhumation process is place and upon recovery of the remains, the families shall be notified".

The Committee said, "the exhumation is sacred and private and as such the public will not be entertained.

"At the appropriate time all interested parties will be informed," the statement concluded