Abuja, March 6, 2026 — In a heart-wrenching scene outside the National Assembly complex, wives and children of Nigerian military officers detained over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government took to the streets on Friday, demanding immediate access to their loved ones, an open trial, or their outright release.
Carrying placards and chanting “Release our daddies,” the protesters — accompanied by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other supporters — expressed deep anguish over the prolonged detention of the officers, who have been held for more than 160 days without formal charges in an open court.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Memuna Bashiru, one of the wives, addressed journalists and lawmakers, her voice heavy with emotion. “We stand before you as families, wives, mothers, and relatives, whose husbands and brothers have been in detention for over 160 days without being brought before an open court of law,” she said.
Bashiru highlighted the severe emotional and psychological toll on the families, noting that many now live in constant fear and uncertainty about the wellbeing of their detained husbands. She appealed directly to President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene and ensure justice is served with transparency and fairness.
The protest included women holding infants, including a two-month-old baby, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing saga. Families demanded access to their detained relatives, a speedy and open trial in a civilian court rather than a closed military proceeding, and adherence to due process under the Nigerian Constitution.
Background of the Alleged Coup Plot
The drama began in October 2025 when the Defence Intelligence Agency arrested at least 16 military officers — with ranks ranging from Captain to Brigadier-General — initially for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” Early military statements dismissed rumours of a coup plot.
However, by January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered evidence linking some of the officers to a conspiracy to overthrow the Tinubu administration. Allegations reportedly included plans to assassinate top government officials and detain senior military leaders. The military announced that the accused would face trial before a military judicial panel under the Armed Forces Act.
Reports suggest the total number of suspects in the broader investigation, including some civilians allegedly involved in reconnaissance, funding, or propaganda, could be as high as 35–40. The military has maintained that the officers were fully aware of the consequences of their alleged actions and would receive a fair hearing with access to legal counsel.
Families Demand Transparency and Justice
During the protest and a subsequent press conference, the wives raised concerns over shifting official narratives surrounding the arrests and the lack of family access. They argued that indefinite detention without trial violates fundamental rights and urged the government to either charge the officers promptly in an open court or set them free.
Sowore, known for his vocal advocacy on human rights issues, joined the families in calling for due process, warning that secrecy in such matters erodes public trust in the military and the justice system.
As of March 2026, the military has not provided detailed public updates on the status of the trials, while the families continue to live with the daily pain of separation and uncertainty.
This protest adds to growing conversations about the balance between national security imperatives and the protection of individual rights in Nigeria, especially amid recurring concerns over political stability in West Africa.
The demonstration ended peacefully, but the families vowed to sustain their advocacy until their demands for clarity, access, and justice are met.
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Sources: Channels Television, Premium Times, Punch Newspapers, Reuters, and family statements.
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