By Our Correspondent
National News – Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding justice, access to their loved ones, and a speedy trial.
The demonstrators, including young children, gathered at the entrance of the legislature carrying placards with messages such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
The protest highlighted growing frustration among families who say their relatives have been held for months without trial or contact.
Many of the detained officers were arrested in October 2025 following allegations that a group of military personnel had begun planning a coup against the Federal Government.
Eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, whose father is among the officers in custody, tearfully appealed to authorities to show compassion and allow the families see their detained fathers.
According to her, life has changed dramatically since the arrest, leaving the family in emotional distress.
Another child, nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, said he last saw his father several months ago and deeply misses the guidance and support he once received at home.
Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf also made a simple but emotional plea, urging the nation’s leaders to release her father so he could return home.
One of the protesting spouses, Nana Ibrahim, questioned why the detained officers had remained in custody for over six months despite authorities claiming to have completed investigations.
She called for transparency and urged the government to either release the suspects or formally charge them in court.
According to families and their legal representatives, more than 16 military officers were detained after the alleged coup plot was uncovered.
Investigations reportedly indicated that the group planned surveillance of key national locations, including the Presidential Villa, military facilities in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, allegedly set as the planned date for the operation.
Human rights advocates accompanying the families argued that prolonged detention without trial violates fundamental rights and undermines the rule of law.
The protesters insisted they would continue demanding justice until authorities either free the officers or allow the courts to determine their fate.
