Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding a quick trial and the release of the arrested officers.
The protesters gathered at the National Assembly gate, walking slowly while holding placards with messages like “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
With tears and trembling voices, the children pleaded for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
Speaking to The Punch, Eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Almakura, said, “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 again. My mummy cries every day. I really miss him so much.”
Nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, son of Major Bala, also spoke about how much he misses his father.
“Let the government bring my daddy back safely. The last time I saw them was 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. I’m in primary four. But I last saw him about six months ago. Our house has been lonely without him. I also miss him because nobody used to take me out as he used to do before,” he said.
Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of Wing Commander Yusuf, made an emotional appeal to the country’s leaders.
“I want to beg the president and our First Lady to bring my daddy safely back. Since he left, I have no one to play with. He always helped me to learn things I didn’t know and took me out,” she said.
Eleven-year-old Nana Aisha Usman asked authorities to either release the detained officers or charge them in court.
“Please help us beg the government to release my daddy or take him to court. He and other people locked up deserve justice. Since he was taken away, the house is empty without his presence. If he is at home, he takes me to the shop and buys things for me. Any time I bring my assignments, he is always happy to help me with them. I don’t think my dad is a bad person. He never meant harm to anybody. I want the government to help us investigate and free him,” she said.
One of the wives, Nana Ibrahim, described the arrests and continued detention as suspicious.
“The whole coup allegation and arrest are shady. Investigations and statements have been conducted for over six months. Yet, they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If they have any evidence about their involvement, they should come out with it boldly with their chest. They should let the world know how many people are indicted or in detention and charge them in court. That is all we are asking. After all, they have announced that they have concluded their water-tight investigation and evidence. So, why the delay? They should take them to court and come out with the evidence. We want an open trial where everybody will listen to the charges and defend themselves. If they can prove themselves beyond a reasonable doubt, they should be set free. Enough is enough!” she said.
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The protest comes about a month after families of the detained officers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant them access to their husbands and either release them or arraign them in court.
The appeal was made at a press briefing in Abuja, attended by over 20 wives and several children of the officers, including a two-month-old baby.
