Families of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot staged a protest on Wednesday at the National Assembly of Nigeria in Abuja, demanding a speedy trial and access to their relatives.
The officers were reportedly arrested in October 2025 after allegations of breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline, as announced at the time by Tukur Gusau, then Director of Defence Information. About 16 officers, including senior ranks such as brigadiers, colonels, and majors, have remained in custody since then.
During the protest, family members carried placards with messages like “Don’t Kill Our Daddies” and “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” expressing frustration over what they described as prolonged detention without due process.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or access to legal representation or relatives, leaving their families in emotional and financial distress.
Children of some of the detained officers also made emotional appeals, urging the government to release their fathers or bring them before a court of law. One child pleaded for justice, saying life had become difficult since the arrest.
The protest was supported by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore, who joined the families in calling for transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
The demonstration follows earlier appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging authorities to either release the officers or formally charge them in court.
The situation has raised concerns among civil society groups about due process, human rights, and the handling of sensitive national security cases.
