‘Don’t Convict Them Without Proof’ — Detained Officers’ Wives Beg Tinubu Over Coup Trial

Wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure justice and fairness in the ongoing trial of their husbands, warning against convictions without credible evidence.

The women made the appeal in a letter addressed to the President and titled, “A Humble Appeal for Fairness, Transparency, and Justice in the Ongoing Military Trial.”

The letter, signed by 12 spouses of the detained officers, expressed concern over what they described as growing fears of bias, coercion and institutional pressure surrounding the trial.

While acknowledging Tinubu’s approval for the military proceedings to commence, the women said the process must remain transparent and impartial because of the gravity of the allegations.

According to them, accusations bordering on mutiny and coup plotting are serious matters that should not be handled carelessly, but stressed that justice must never appear predetermined.

“As citizens, we understand the importance of discipline within the armed forces and the sensitive responsibility placed upon the military in safeguarding national security,” the letter stated.

The women, however, warned that previous military trials in Nigeria later became subjects of controversy and national regret due to claims of wrongful prosecution and prolonged detention of suspects.

They said there were concerns among Nigerians that the current trial could follow a similar path if fairness and due process are not strictly observed.

The wives also raised alarm over reports of alleged inhumane treatment and prolonged detention of the accused officers.

According to them, allegations that some confessional statements may have been obtained under pressure had further raised doubts about the integrity of the trial process.

“The prolonged detention of the accused officers, the reports of inhumane treatment, and concerns that the case relies heavily on statements allegedly obtained under coercion and severe pressure have raised serious questions in the minds of many Nigerians,” the letter added.

The women maintained that no individual should be convicted without independently verifiable evidence.

They insisted that any confession allegedly extracted through torture, fear or intimidation should not be used as the basis for destroying careers, families and reputations.

“No individual should be condemned without credible and independently verifiable evidence.

“No confession extracted through fear, torture, or inhumane treatment should become the foundation upon which lives, careers, and families are destroyed,” they wrote.

The wives urged Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to ensure that the military trial does not become another controversial chapter in the country’s history.

They said Nigerians should never have to fear persecution disguised as prosecution.

The officers were arrested in October 2025 after the military announced the detention of several personnel over alleged breaches of regulations and acts of indiscipline.

An interim investigation later reportedly uncovered a secret network of officers allegedly linked to a planned coup.

Security findings claimed the suspected plot involved surveillance of strategic national assets, including the Presidential Villa, military facilities in Abuja and major international airports.

Investigators also alleged that October 25, 2025, had been proposed as the date for the operation.

Among those reportedly in detention are senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The appeal by the officers’ wives comes amid ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving civilians and former military personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration.

The Federal Government is prosecuting retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Capt. Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Umoru Zekeri, Bukar Kashim Goni and Islamic cleric Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani on charges bordering on treason, terrorism and conspiracy.

During earlier proceedings, some of the defendants challenged the admissibility of their extra-judicial statements, alleging they were obtained through coercion, torture and inducement.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently ordered a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were voluntarily made before admitting them as exhibits.