Wives Of Detained Military Officers Protest In Abuja
Wives of Nigerian military officers detained over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu staged a protest in Abuja on Friday, calling for the immediate public trial of their husbands and access to them. Joined by human rights activists Omoyele Sowore and Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the women gathered in the Federal Capital Territory to demand transparency and due process. The military officers were reportedly arrested for allegedly plotting to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic continuity, but the wives say their husbands have been held for more than 160 days without appearing in court. “For over five months, our families have lived in uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions. We are here today to demand justice be served openly, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the protesters said. They added, “These months have been deeply painful. Our husbands have been subjected to trial by media while some of us faced intimidation from the very men in uniform who are meant to protect Nigerians.” The women emphasized that their husbands had served the nation faithfully and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and national leaders to intervene in the matter. “We are only asking for what the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian: that our husbands be treated as innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The allegations should not be used as scapegoats. We want due process, nothing more, nothing less,” they said. The protesters also highlighted inconsistencies in the case, pointing to conflicting reports about seized funds and changing charges. “Initially, it was reported that N12 billion was found in an officer’s account. That figure has now been reduced to N835 million in a company account—a 93 percent decrease. The charges have also shifted from indiscipline to conspiracy to commit a coup. If there is evidence, it should be presented openly in court,” they stated. Appealing to the military, the wives said, “We are not your enemies. We are wives, mothers, and children struggling to understand how the institution our husbands served with dedication has become a source of pain. We respectfully ask for transparency, compassion, and access to our husbands to confirm they are safe.” The protesters concluded by urging authorities to uphold due process and ensure that the trial, if any, is conducted publicly, stressing that accountability and transparency are vital for justice.