Scores of wives and children of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly Complex, calling for a speedy trial or the release of their loved ones.
The demonstrators gathered at the entrance of the complex, moving in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children pleaded for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
Eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Almakura, made an emotional appeal.
“Please don’t kill our daddy. We want justice for him.
“Since he was arrested by the government, our lives have not been the same again. My mummy cries every day. I really miss him so much.”
Nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, son of Major Bala, also expressed deep longing for his father.
“Let the government bring my daddy back safely. The last time I saw them was nine months ago. I really miss him with all my heart. He used to teach me things about school and how children should behave towards adults.
“I’m in primary four. But I last saw him about six months ago. Our house has been lonely without him. I also miss him because nobody used to take me out as he used to do before,” he said.
Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of Wing Commander Yusuf, directed her plea to the nation’s leadership.
“I want to beg the president and our First Lady to bring my daddy safely back. Since he left, I have no one to play with. He always helped me to learn things I didn’t know and took me out.”
Also speaking, 11-year-old Nana Aisha Usman urged authorities to either free the detained officers or prosecute them in court.
“Please help us beg the government to release my daddy or take him to court. He and other people locked up deserve justice. Since he was taken away, the house is empty without his presence.
“If he is at home, he takes me to the shop and buys things for me. Any time I bring my assignments, he is always happy to help me with them. I don’t think my dad is a bad person. He never meant harm to anybody. I want the government to help us investigate and free him.”
One of the spouses, Nana Ibrahim, described the arrests and continued detention as questionable, insisting that authorities must either substantiate the allegations or free the suspects.
“The whole coup allegation and arrest are shady. Investigations and statements have been conducted for over six months. Yet, they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If they have any evidence about their involvement, they should come out with it boldly with their chest.
“They should let the world know how many people are indicted or in detention and charge them in court. That is all we are asking. After all, they have announced that they have concluded their water-tight investigation and evidence. So, why the delay? They should take them to court and come out with the evidence.
“We want an open trial where everybody will listen to the charges and defend themselves. If they can prove themselves beyond a reasonable doubt, they should be set free. Enough is enough!”
The protest comes about a month after the families appealed to Bola Tinubu to grant them access to the detained officers and ensure they are either released or arraigned before a court of law.
At a previous press briefing in Abuja attended by more than 20 wives and several children including a two-month-old baby the families, alongside human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore, decried what they described as prolonged detention without trial.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the situation had plunged their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrests were first announced on October 4, 2025, by then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody over alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later pointed to a suspected clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
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According to findings, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, reportedly set as the planned date for the operation.
Those said to be in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, investigators said, targeted top government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
