Breaking: ‘Don’t Kill Our Daddies.. ‘ -Protesting Families Of Alleged Coup Plotters

Family members of military officers alleged to have participated in a coup plot are on a protest, pleading with the military not to kill their fathers

Children and wives of the affected military officers, who were accompanied by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore, staged their protest at the National Assembly, with placards displaying different perspectives of their plea.

They said the military authorities should speedily trial the suspects or release them.

Some of the placards read: “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough”, “Don’t Kill Our Daddies”, “Detention Without Trial is Injustice”.

Amongst family members who participated in the protest were obviously distraught wives as well as children as young as 8 and 9 some of who took time to speak to journalists pleading for the release of their fathers.

For example, 8 year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Almakura, speaking about his father, said: “Since he was arrested by the government, our lives have not been the same. My mummy cries every day. I really miss him so much”.

“Please don’t kill our daddy. We want justice for him.

In a similar manner, 9 year old Ibrahim Bala, son of Major Bala, pleading for his father said:

“The last time I saw him was about nine months ago. I really miss him with all my heart.

“He used to teach me things about school and how children should behave towards adults.

“Let the government bring my daddy back safely.

READ ALSO: What Will Happen To Those Behind The Coup Plot –Defence Minister

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“I’m in Primary Four, but I last saw him about six months ago. Our house has been lonely without him. I also miss him because nobody takes me out like he used to,” he said.

Another child who spoke to journalists was 4 year old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of Wing Commander Yusuf.

“I want to beg the President and our First Lady to bring my daddy back safely. Since he left, I have no one to play with. He always helped me learn things I didn’t know and took me out,” she said.

For Nana Ibrahim, one of the wives of the officers detained, “They should let the world know how many people are indicted or in detention and charge them in court. That is all we are asking. They have said their investigation is watertight, so why the delay?

“We want an open trial where everyone can hear the charges and the accused can defend themselves. If they are proven innocent, they should be set free. Enough is enough”.

“The whole coup allegation and arrest are suspicious. Investigations have been ongoing for over six months, yet they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If there is evidence of their involvement, it should be presented clearly”..