Military coup detention sparks emotional protest as families demand trial or release of detained officers held over alleged plot in Nigeria

Military Coup Detention Sparks Emotional Protest as scores of children and wives of detained Nigerian military officers on Wednesday staged a peaceful demonstration at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding either a speedy trial or the release of their relatives held over an alleged coup plot.

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The protesters arrived at the entrance of the National Assembly in a slow procession, holding placards with emotional messages including “Don’t Kill Our Daddies” and “Detention Without Trial is Injustice.” The demonstration drew attention to the prolonged detention of officers accused of involvement in an alleged coup conspiracy.

Tears flowed freely as children of the detained officers pleaded for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said had been in custody for several months without contact.

Eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Almakura, made an emotional appeal, saying her family’s life had been shattered since her father’s arrest. She urged authorities not to harm him and called for justice.

Nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, son of Major Bala, also expressed deep anguish, stating he had not seen his father for months and missed his guidance and companionship at home.

Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of a Wing Commander, made a direct appeal to national leaders, pleading for the safe return of her father and describing the emotional void left in her life.

Eleven-year-old Nana Aisha Usman urged the government to either release the officers or arraign them in court, insisting that justice must be served transparently.

She called for an open trial, stressing that the prolonged detention without charges had left families in distress and uncertainty.

A spouse of one of the detained officers, Nana Ibrahim, also criticised the handling of the case, describing the situation as questionable and demanding transparency in the investigation process.

She said the families were not being allowed access to the detained officers or legal representatives, despite claims that investigations had been concluded.

The emotional protest follows earlier appeals by families who had called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure either the release or formal arraignment of the officers.

The officers were first detained in October 2025 over alleged breaches of military regulations and suspected involvement in a wider conspiracy linked to a planned coup.

According to earlier findings, the alleged plot reportedly involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa and major military installations in Abuja.

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The ongoing Military Coup Detention Sparks Emotional Protest continues to raise public concern over due process, human rights, and transparency in the handling of high-profile military detentions.