Tension Rises In Abuja As Relatives Of Detained Officers Storm Federal Ministry Of Justice

The demonstrators called for a transparent trial process and demanded the release of the detained officers.

Gathering at the entrance of the ministry, the protesters sang solidarity songs and displayed placards with messages such as “Tinubu Release Our Heroes,” “Lt Col C Chima 419 Witness,” and “AGF, Stop the Kangaroo Court Martial Now.”

Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, prevented the protesters from entering the ministry premises and restricted the demonstration to the gate area.

The protest follows growing concerns over the handling of the alleged coup case, especially after journalists were reportedly denied access to recent court proceedings involving some of the accused officers.

Speaking during the protest, the leader of the group, Justice Isimili, said many of the demonstrators were family members of the detained officers who travelled from various parts of the country, including Jos, Kano, and Sokoto.

According to him, the families are appealing to the President to show compassion and ensure justice for their loved ones.

“Many of us have not had peace of mind since our fathers, brothers, and relatives were detained,” he said.

Isimili also criticised the closed nature of the ongoing court-martial proceedings, insisting that family members, journalists, and members of the public should be allowed access to the hearings.

Another protester, Abdullahi Kale, who said he travelled from Sokoto, alleged that the continued detention of the suspects was creating concerns among some northern communities.

A female demonstrator, Habibat Muhammad, who attended the protest carrying her one-year-old child, appealed for leniency, saying many affected families have struggled since the arrests were made several months ago.

Responding to the protesters, a director at the ministry, who declined to reveal her name, advised the group to remain peaceful and submit their complaints formally through a written letter.

She explained that the ministry had not yet received any official correspondence outlining their grievances.

The latest protest comes after previous demonstrations by families of the detained officers, who have consistently demanded either their release or a transparent public trial.

Controversy surrounding the case intensified after journalists were reportedly barred from covering bail proceedings involving six of the suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with operatives of the Department of State Services said to have enforced the restriction.

The suspects are facing charges including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose information.

While some of the accused officers are being tried before a military court-martial in Abuja, others are standing trial in civilian courts.

Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of several serving and retired military officers, alongside civilians, in connection with the alleged coup plot.

Families of the detainees have continued to insist on access to their loved ones and a fair, transparent legal process in line with constitutional provisions.