Families of Detained Military Officers Stage Protest at National Assembly Over Alleged Coup Plot
In a poignant demonstration, families of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday. They demanded a swift trial and immediate access to their relatives, who have been held for more than 160 days without formal charges or contact. The protest highlighted growing concerns over prolonged detention and alleged injustices within the military justice system.
Background of the Arrests and Protests
The arrests were first announced on October 4, 2025, by Tukur Gusau, then director of defence information. Gusau stated that 16 officers had been taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline, linked to suspicions of a coup plot. Since then, the families have faced emotional distress and uncertainty, culminating in the recent protest where they marched with placards bearing messages such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies”, “Detention Without Trial is Injustice”, and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough”.
Voices from the Families and Emotional Appeals
Memuna Bashiru, speaking on behalf of the families, emphasized that the prolonged detention has plunged their households into deep emotional turmoil. She noted that the officers have been denied basic rights, including contact with lawyers and family members. Nana Ibrahim, a spouse of one of the detained officers, questioned the legitimacy of the coup allegations, stating, “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.”
The protest also featured heart-wrenching appeals from children of the detained officers. Halima Mohammed, an eight-year-old daughter of Almakura, pleaded, “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.” Similarly, Ibrahim Bala, a nine-year-old son, expressed his longing, saying, “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.” Fatima Yusuf, a four-year-old daughter, made a direct appeal 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.”
List of Detained Officers and Ongoing Concerns
The officers 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
- I. Dauda, Squadron Leader
The families' protest underscores broader issues of due process and human rights within Nigeria's military and judicial systems. As the situation continues, calls for transparency and justice grow louder, with many urging authorities to either present clear evidence or release the detained officers to reunite with their families.
