Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ABUJA – Families of military officers standing trial over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu are set to storm the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja today (Monday) in protest against what they describe as the secretive handling of the case and prolonged detention of the suspects. The planned demonstration was confirmed to The PUNCH by one of the wives of the detained officers, who said the protest was being organised on behalf of affected families demanding transparency and access to their relatives, with the demonstration expected to be peaceful and held at the Ministry of Justice. “Yes, it is true. We are embarking on a demonstration on Monday (today) on behalf of the families of the detained military officers still in detention. The peaceful protest is to take place at the Ministry of Justice. We would appreciate it if you (media) could also join us,” she said in a phone interview.
The families have repeatedly complained that the officers have been held for more than 160 days without trial in open court or access to legal representation, a situation they say has caused severe emotional and psychological distress within their households. The latest planned protest adds to earlier demonstrations by the families, who have consistently called for either the release of the officers or their immediate arraignment in a transparent court process. In April, wives and children of the detained officers staged an emotional protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding proof of life for their detained relatives and insisting that authorities either charge or release them.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings linked to the coup plot, in which several suspects are facing charges including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information. Some of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. A few weeks ago, court proceedings involving some of the accused officers also drew controversy after journalists were barred from covering a bail hearing involving six of the suspects. Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly ordered journalists out of the courtroom shortly before proceedings began.
The case stems from arrests made in connection with a coup plot, with authorities earlier confirming that dozens of suspects, including serving and retired military officers as well as civilians, were picked up. In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of sixteen officers for offences described at the time as "breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline," but weeks later, reports emerged that the detainees were allegedly involved in a plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration. Among those currently facing prosecution are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, while former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva is being tried in absentia and is said to be at large.
While some serving officers have been arraigned before a court martial in Abuja, others are facing trial in civilian courts. As legal and military processes continue, the families insist their demand remains unchanged: access to their relatives and a transparent, open trial in accordance with constitutional rights. As the wives and children gather at the Ministry of Justice, their placards bearing messages like "Detention Without Trial is Injustice" and "Don't Kill Our Daddies" will once again demand that justice, not secrecy, must prevail.
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