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Families of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot protested at the entrance of the national assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding a speedy trial and access to their relatives.
The arrest of the officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by Tukur Gusau, then director of defence information.
Gusau had said 16 officers had been taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
Those reportedly in custody include M. A. Sadiq, brigadier-general; M. A. Maaji, colonel; S. Bappah, lieutenant-colonel; A. A. Hayatu, lieutenant-colonel; P. Dangnap, lieutenant-colonel; M. Almakura, lieutenant-colonel; A. J. Ibrahim, major; M. M. Jiddah, major; M. A. Usman, major; D. Yusuf, major; I. Bello, captain; A. A. Yusuf, captain; S. S. Felix, lieutenant; D. B. Abdullahi, lieutenant commander; S. B. Adamu, squadron leader; and I. Dauda, major.
The protesters marched while holding placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies”, “Detention Without Trial is Injustice”, and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough”.
Memuna Bashiru, who spoke on behalf of the families, said the prolonged detention had plunged their households into uncertainty and emotional distress.
She said the officers had been detained for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives.
Nana Ibrahim, one of the spouses of the detained officers, questioned the continued detention of the suspects.
“The whole coup allegation and arrest are suspicious,” she said.
“Investigations have been ongoing for over six months, yet they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If there is evidence of their involvement, it should be presented clearly.”
Halima Mohammed, an eight-year-old daughter of Almakura, asked the authorities to release her father.
“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. My mummy cries every day. I really miss him so much,” she said.
Ibrahim Bala, a nine-year-old son of Bala, said he had not seen his father for months.
“Let the government bring my daddy back safely. The last time I saw him was about nine months ago,” he said.
“I really miss him with all my heart. He used to teach me things about school and how children should behave towards adults.”
Fatima Yusuf, the four-year-old daughter of Yusuf, appealed directly to the nation’s leadership.
“I want to beg the President and our First Lady to bring my daddy back safely. Since he left, I have no one to play with. He always helped me learn things I didn’t know and took me out,” she said.
Nana Usman, 11, urged the government to either release the detained officers or arraign them in court.
“Please help us beg the government to release my daddy or take him to court. He and the others locked up deserve justice. Since he was taken away, the house has been empty without him,” she said.
The families were accompanied by Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, and Omoyele Sowore, an activist.
The protest comes about a month after families of the detained officers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant them access to their relatives and ensure they are either released or charged in court.
