Family members of military officers detained for alleged coup plot protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding for a speedy trial and release of their bread winners.
The protesters were sighted at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moving in a slow procession carrying placards reading “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
The children who were crying in trembling voices, appealed for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
A daughter of one of the affected officers, Lt Col Mohammed Almakura, Halima Mohammed, begs: “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.”
Son of Major Bala, Nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, called for the release of his father, saying “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 appealed to the authorities to either release their fathers 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, said the circumstances surrounding the alleged coup were questionable, adding that “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 for.
“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 families were accompanied by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
Memuna Bashiru who spoke on behalf of the families, said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, adding that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
They called on the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene, adding that their demand was not for favours but for adherence to constitutional provisions.
Former Defence spokesperson, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, on October 4, 2025, first announced the arrested of the suspected officers who said 16 officers had been detained for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
A subsequent interim probe 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.
The report said the failed coup had 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.
The suspected coupists in detention are 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.
