Spouses of Detained Military Officers Demand Trial After 160 Days

On Friday, the spouses of Nigerian soldiers detained over an alleged plot to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gathered in Abuja to voice their concerns.

Joined by human rights advocates, including Omoyele Sowore and Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the crowd assembled in the Federal Capital Territory, urging for a public trial of their husbands.

Reports indicate that several military officers have been confined due to accusations relating to a coup plot.

Earlier, Daily Trust noted that the officers' detention was linked to an attempt that threatened Nigeria’s long-standing democratic structure, which has endured for 26 years.

The group not only demanded legal proceedings but also requested access to their husbands, who they claim have been held for more than 160 days without seeing the inside of a courtroom.

One protester stated, “For over five months, our families have endured uncertainty, fear, and numerous unanswered inquiries. Today we are gathered for one primary reason: to advocate for justice in alignment with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The gathered individuals expressed their anguish over the portrayal of their husbands in the media while raising concerns about harassment from military personnel who are supposed to ensure public safety.

They emphasized the dedicated service of their husbands and fathers to the nation, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, alongside other national leaders for intervention.

The protesters stated, “All we request is what the 1999 constitution assures every Nigerian: that our husbands be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a legitimate court. The allegations against them should not be manipulated for other purposes. We seek a fair process, nothing less.”

Addressing the military, they added, “We are not your adversaries; we are wives, mothers, and children striving to comprehend how the institution that our husbands have loyally served has evolved into a source of profound suffering.”

They pleaded for compassion and transparency, stating, “We ask you to allow us access to our husbands so that we might confirm their well-being. There are significant questions needing answers, and discrepancies exist that are cause for serious worry.”

Initially, there were claims that N12 billion was found in an account belonging to one of the officers; however, that figure has now shifted to N835 million, supposedly located in a company account rather than an individual officer's account, representing a nearly 93 percent reduction.

Additionally, the nature of the allegations against the officers has varied—starting with claims of indiscipline and later transitioning to conspiracy to commit a coup.

The protesters demanded an explanation for the evolving allegations, urging for any evidence to be presented in court openly.