Families of officers detained over ‘coup plot’ protest at n’assembly

The protesting families

Families of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot protested at the entrance of the national assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding a speedy trial and access to their relatives.

The arrest of the officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by Tukur Gusau, then director of defence information.

Gusau had said 16 officers had been taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.

Those reportedly in custody include M. A. Sadiq, brigadier-general; M. A. Maaji, colonel; S. Bappah, lieutenant-colonel; A. A. Hayatu, lieutenant-colonel; P. Dangnap, lieutenant-colonel; M. Almakura, lieutenant-colonel; A. J. Ibrahim, major; M. M. Jiddah, major; M. A. Usman, major; D. Yusuf, major; I. Bello, captain; A. A. Yusuf, captain; S. S. Felix, lieutenant; D. B. Abdullahi, lieutenant commander; S. B. Adamu, squadron leader; and I. Dauda, major.

The protesters marched while holding placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies”, “Detention Without Trial is Injustice”, and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough”.

Memuna Bashiru, who spoke on behalf of the families, said the prolonged detention had plunged their households into uncertainty and emotional distress.

She said the officers had been detained for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives.

Nana Ibrahim, one of the spouses of the detained officers, questioned the continued detention of the suspects.

“The whole coup allegation and arrest are suspicious,” she said.

“Investigations have been ongoing for over six months, yet they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If there is evidence of their involvement, it should be presented clearly.”