Alleged Coup: Wives, Children Of Detained Officers Protest At National Assembly

Children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, 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 detained fathers, many of whom they said had not been seen for months.

Speaking to journalists, eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel 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. 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 about 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 takes me out like he used to,” he said.

Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of Wing Commander Yusuf, made an emotional plea 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.

However, 11-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 the others locked up deserve justice. Since he was taken away, the house has been empty without him.

“When he is at home, he takes me to the shop and buys things for me. Anytime I bring my assignments, he is always happy to help me. I don’t think my dad is a bad person.

He never meant harm to anyone. I want the government to investigate and free him,” she said.

One of the spouses, Nana Ibrahim, described the circumstances surrounding the arrests and continued detention as questionable.

“The whole coup allegation and arrest are suspicious. 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.

“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. They have said their investigation is watertight, so why the delay?

“We want an open trial where everyone can hear the charges and the accused can defend themselves. If they are proven innocent, they should be set free. Enough is enough,” she said.

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.

She noted that while the 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, Brigadier General 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, 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, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.