1. Defence Minister Confirms Coup Plot Against Tinubu Was Real, Links Sylva to Investigation
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (rtd) has confirmed that a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu was genuine, saying it was planned before the president’s inauguration and that most suspects have been apprehended. Former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva remains under investigation.
Musa Says Plot Began Around May 2023
Musa said the plot was linked to disgruntled officers who recruited others over grievances involving promotions and postings. He said the scheme dated back to around May 2023.
The minister stressed that the plot lacked serious support and would have faced resistance even from ordinary Nigerians. He added that multiple agencies were involved in the investigation and that civilian collaborators were also being pursued.
The confirmation comes amid ongoing legal processes against alleged plotters and follows Sylva’s recent resignation from the APC while facing related scrutiny.
2. Musa Accuses El-Rufai of Divisive Actions in Kaduna
Defence Minister Christopher Musa has accused former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai of carrying out divisive policies and “a lot of terrible things” that affected communities, particularly in southern Kaduna.
Musa Criticises El-Rufai’s Record
Speaking in recent comments, Musa linked El-Rufai’s tenure to lasting tensions and criticised policies he said deepened divisions rather than promoting unity.
The remarks have drawn reactions in political circles ahead of the 2027 elections. They have also renewed debate over past governance in the North-West and North-Central regions, where insecurity and communal conflicts remain major concerns.
El-Rufai has not immediately issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations.
3. Uber Shuts Down Operations in Nigeria After 12 Years
Global ride-hailing company Uber has ended its operations in Nigeria with immediate effect after reviewing its business in the country. The company launched in Lagos in 2014 before expanding to other Nigerian cities.
Uber Exits Nigerian Market
The exit also affects Uganda and is part of a wider global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs worldwide.
The departure leaves competitors such as Bolt and InDrive to compete for users and drivers in a market affected by high fuel costs, inflation, currency volatility and driver protests over fares and commissions.
Uber said its help centres would remain open until later in September to handle outstanding issues for users and drivers.
4. House Panel Clears Gbajabiamila in PFIPC Probe
A House of Representatives ad hoc committee has cleared Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila of involvement in the establishment or activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Panel Says PFIPC Documents Were Forged
Committee chairman Yusuf Gagdi said documentary evidence showed that Gbajabiamila neither authorised nor participated in the activities of the purported body. He said the Chief of Staff instead alerted security and investigative agencies after receiving an alert.
The panel found that documents used to establish the PFIPC, including an appointment letter for its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, were forged.
Investigators linked about 58 bank accounts and related entities to the scheme and are probing claims involving hundreds of millions of naira.
5. Bandits Demand ₦40 Million Levy, Threaten Attack on Sokoto Community
Suspected bandits have demanded ₦40 million from residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, threatening to attack, kill residents and burn the community if the levy is not paid.
Police Investigate Threat
Police confirmed awareness of the threat and said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit was investigating the matter. Security has also been heightened in the area amid reports of a possible attack around Friday.
The ultimatum follows earlier violence in the area that left people dead and others abducted. Some residents have reportedly relocated because of the renewed threat.
The incident adds to persistent banditry concerns in the North-West despite ongoing military and police operations.
6. Federal Government Rejects Claims of Backing Failed Coup in Niger
The Federal Government has dismissed reports alleging that Nigeria or ECOWAS supported a recent failed military takeover attempt in neighbouring Niger Republic.
Nigeria Reaffirms Non-Interference Policy
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye described the claims as false and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic stability and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
The statement comes amid regional concerns over successive coups in West Africa. Nigeria has previously played active roles in ECOWAS responses to unconstitutional changes of government and continues to support diplomatic approaches to regional security.
7. Presidency Clarifies Tinubu Faces No Criminal Case in US FOIA Matter
The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu is not facing a criminal case in the United States over Freedom of Information Act records related to him.
FOIA Proceedings Concern Access to Documents
Officials said the ongoing FOIA proceedings concern access to government documents and do not constitute criminal charges or an investigation against the president.
The clarification follows circulating claims and political commentary linking the matter to the 2027 elections. It is part of wider exchanges between the administration and opposition figures over Tinubu’s past records and international engagements.
8. Rivers Governor Fubara Signs ₦1.84 Trillion 2026 Budget Into Law
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the state’s ₦1.84 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law after the House of Assembly passed it.
Infrastructure, Education Get Priority
The budget, tagged “A Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” prioritises infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic sectors.
Funding is expected from FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue, loans and other sources. Sectoral allocations include substantial sums for works, social services and agriculture.
The governor described the development as opening a new chapter of unity and progress for the state.
9. Federal Workers Demand ₦300,000 National Minimum Wage
The Federal Workers Forum has called on the Federal Government to review civil service salaries and raise the national minimum wage to ₦300,000.
Workers Seek Salary Review
The group cited rising living costs, inflation and the impact of economic reforms as reasons for the demand. It urged President Tinubu’s administration to act swiftly to ease the financial pressure on workers.
The appeal adds to ongoing labour discussions over wage adjustments following earlier minimum wage reviews. Unions and worker groups continue to demand improved remuneration amid concerns over the cost of living.
10. Golden Eaglets Drawn Against Côte d’Ivoire and Niger in WAFU B U-17 Championship
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been drawn in Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Niger Republic for the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship.
Golden Eaglets Prepare for Regional Contest
The draw sets up competitive regional fixtures for the Nigerian side as the team prepares for the tournament.
The competition provides a platform for youth talent development and qualification pathways. Nigerian football authorities and fans will be watching the team’s preparations ahead of the regional championship.
