Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The visibly distraught protesters gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly 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 appealed for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lt Col Mohammed Almakura, said, “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 him was nine months ago. I really miss him. 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, made an emotional plea to the nation’s leadership.
She said, “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.”
Eleven-year-old Nana Aisha Usman urged the authorities to either release the detained officers or charge 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 circumstances surrounding the arrests and continued detention as questionable.
She said, “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 families of the detained officers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant them access to their husbands and ensure they are either released or arraigned before a court of law.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown 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.
They appealed directly to the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene, stressing that their demand was not for favours but for adherence to constitutional provisions.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, 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, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly 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, and Maj M. A. Usman.
Others are 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, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
(Punch)
