Relatives of military officers standing trial over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, demanding an open trial and the release of the detained suspects.
The protesters, who gathered at the ministry’s entrance, were prevented by security personnel from entering the premises.
The demonstration followed growing criticism over the handling of the alleged coup case, especially after journalists were barred last week from covering proceedings involving some of the accused officers.
Some serving military officers are being tried before a Court Martial at the Scorpion Officers Mess in Abuja, while civilians including a retired Major General are facing trial in Federal High Court, Abuja. They are facing charges including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information.
Speaking during the protest, the leader of the demonstrators, Justice Isimili, appealed to President Tinubu to temper justice with mercy.
He said, “Many of those here today are relatives of our heroes. Some came from Jos, Kano, and Sokoto to protest the continued detention of the alleged coup suspects, who are our fathers, uncles, and brothers.
“All we ask is for the President to temper justice with mercy. Many of us have been unable to rest because our loved ones are still in detention,” he said.
He also condemned what he described as the secretive nature of the court-martial proceedings.
“We want an open trial instead of proceedings where family members, journalists, and the public are denied access. All we seek is justice and their freedom,” he added.
Another protester, Abdullahi Kale, alleged that the continued detention of the suspects was creating the impression that northern military officers were being targeted.
A female protester, Habibat Muhammad, who carried her one-year-old child on her back, appealed for leniency, saying many affected families had been struggling since the arrests about eight months ago.
Responding to the protesters, a Director at the Ministry, who declined to disclose her name, urged them to remain calm and submit their grievances formally.
“When you return, let only two persons come with your letter. Coming as a large group could be misrepresented,” she told the protesters.
The protest adds to earlier demonstrations by families of the detained officers, who have repeatedly demanded either their release or immediate arraignment in an open and transparent court process.
Written with reports from Daily Trust