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Author: Promise Odejide

  • FULL LIST: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Buhari’s Former Minister Timipre Sylva, Retired Generals, Police Inspector and Others Over Alleged Coup Plot

    The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector, and several others over their alleged involvement in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

    Defendants listed in court

    The accused persons include Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

    They are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.

    Timipre Sylva, who served under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently said to be at large.

    Allegations of treason and terrorism

    The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

    It alleges offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

    According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

    They were accused of planning to “levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

    Failure to report alleged plot

    The Federal Government also claimed that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to report it to authorities.

    They were further accused of failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence.

    Terrorism financing allegations

    Beyond treason, the defendants are also facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Prosecutors alleged that they conspired to support and facilitate acts of terrorism, with claims that some meetings were held to advance activities capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist planning.

    Money laundering claims

    The charge also includes allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful financial dealings.

    Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of retaining ₦50 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

    Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained ₦2 million, while Zekeri Umoru is accused of handling ₦10 million in cash payments and an additional ₦8.8 million.

    Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of receiving ₦1 million allegedly linked to the scheme.

    All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Context

    Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, with peaceful transitions of power over the years. However, concerns over security, insurgency, and alleged coup-related activities continue to surface in political and security discourse.

  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres Accredits Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative Amid Backlash Over Appointment

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has officially received and accredited Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the global body, marking the formal start of his diplomatic assignment in New York.

    Ibrahim presents credentials at UN headquarters

    Jimoh Ibrahim presented his letter of credence on Monday during a formal ceremony with Guterres at the UN headquarters.

    The accreditation confirms the beginning of his tenure as Nigeria’s ambassador to the multilateral organisation.

    His appointment follows the presentation of his letter of credence by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 1, after he was cleared to assume diplomatic duties.

    Tinubu’s message to global community

    According to a statement by Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim conveyed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing long-standing national challenges.

    He reportedly assured the United Nations and the international community that the Tinubu administration is focused on resolving what he described as “generational problems” confronting the country.

    He also called for stronger cooperation and support from global partners.

    Backlash over appointment

    However, Ibrahim’s posting has continued to generate controversy within civil society circles.

    Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have raised concerns over his nomination, citing alleged ongoing legal and corruption-related issues.

    The groups reportedly petitioned both President Tinubu and the United Nations, urging a review of the appointment, describing it as one of “significant national and international consequence.”

    Context

    The debate around Ibrahim’s appointment adds to broader scrutiny of Nigeria’s diplomatic selections, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its representation at key international institutions like the United Nations.

  • JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Results for Monday Candidates, Expands Daily Batch System

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, April 20, 2026.

    The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    How to check results

    JAMB directed candidates to check their results using its official channels.

    “The results for Monday, 20th, have been released. Candidates can view their results using the usual process,” the statement said.

    Candidates are to send “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used for registration to access their scores.

    Ongoing release pattern

    The board explained that results are being released in batches corresponding to each examination day since the UTME began on April 16.

    So far, results for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday candidates have also been released under the same phased system.

    Delay controversy

    The Friday and Saturday results were released later than expected, despite JAMB earlier promising availability on Saturday.

    The delay triggered frustration among candidates, many of whom waited overnight for updates.

    The board later apologised, citing the absence of its chief executive due to an official engagement.

    Background

    This year’s UTME involves over two million candidates across computer-based test centres nationwide.

    JAMB says the staggered release is part of efforts to maintain accuracy and reduce technical glitches experienced in previous years.

  • Lagos Surgeon Appointed Southwest Coordinator as Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Gains Momentum

    Dr. Adefolaseye Adebayo, an ENT/Head and Neck Surgeon at General Hospital Lagos Island, has been appointed Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the OK Movement, a political group backing a proposed Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

    The development comes as political alignments ahead of future elections begin to take shape across the country.

    Appointment confirmed

    The OK Movement, a pressure group advocating an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, announced Adebayo’s appointment as it expands its structure across regions.

    Obi is currently linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Kwankwaso is being projected as a potential running mate under the proposed alliance.

    Adebayo reacts

    Reacting via social media, Adebayo described the appointment as an honour and pledged commitment to the role.

    “I am deeply honored… I wholeheartedly accept this responsibility… I call on all Nigerians in the Southwest… to join the OK Movement,” she said.

    She added that the movement believes the Obi-Kwankwaso combination offers a viable path for Nigeria’s leadership.

    Growing political signals

    The move reflects early mobilisation efforts by political groups positioning ahead of the next election cycle.

    Observers say such alliances could shape the dynamics of opposition politics in the coming months.

  • FG Arraigns Retired General, Others Over Alleged Plot to Oust Tinubu

    The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six suspects over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

    Those charged include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others accused of treason-related offences.

    Charges filed

    According to court documents, the defendants are facing allegations bordering on waging war against Nigeria, treason, and acts linked to terrorism.

    The case marks the latest step in the government’s response to what security authorities earlier described as a planned coup attempt.

    How the plot emerged

    The issue first gained attention in October 2025 following the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.

    While initial reports linked the decision to security concerns, the Defence Headquarters later dismissed claims of any connection to a coup plot.

    Arrests and confirmation

    Days later, reports emerged that several military officers had been arrested over the alleged plan, with others declared at large.

    In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered involvement of some personnel in a plot to overthrow the government.

    The military said those implicated would face appropriate judicial proceedings.

    Family protests and demands

    In March, families of detained officers called on President Tinubu to allow a public trial, raising concerns about transparency.

    The protests continued in April, with relatives storming the National Assembly to demand access to the suspects and a speedy trial.

    What next

    With the case now before the Federal High Court, attention is expected to shift to the trial proceedings as the government moves to prosecute those accused.

  • Jibrin Ibrahim Raises Fresh Alarm, Accuses INEC Chair Amupitan of Bias

    Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, of acting with bias, warning that recent developments could weaken trust in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future polls.

    Fresh claims against INEC leadership

    Speaking during a television interview, Ibrahim said early actions under the current INEC chairman suggest a pattern that raises questions about neutrality.

    He noted that although Amupitan is newly appointed, some of the commission’s decisions have already drawn concern from observers.

    “Targeting opposition without basis”

    Ibrahim alleged that certain moves by the electoral body appear to be directed at a major opposition party without clear legal justification.

    “This indicates we have a partisan person, who has come to do the job of his master,” he said.

    “He had partisan opinions in the last election and showed that partisanship openly on X.”

    He added that several legal experts have also questioned the basis of some decisions taken by the commission.

    Why this matters

    According to Ibrahim, perceived bias from INEC could damage public confidence in elections, especially as political activities begin to build toward 2027.

    He warned that trust in the electoral umpire remains a key pillar for credible elections.

    What this means going forward

    The remarks add to ongoing conversations around electoral transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

    As scrutiny of institutions increases, stakeholders say maintaining neutrality will be critical in shaping public perception of future elections.

  • Nasarawa Deputy Speaker Escapes Death in Keffi-Akwanga Highway Crash

    The Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Muhammad Adamu Oyanki, was involved in a car crash on Monday along the Keffi-Akwanga highway, with authorities confirming he survived the incident.

    What happened

    The accident occurred on Monday, leaving the Deputy Speaker’s vehicle badly damaged.

    The wrecked car was later evacuated to the Assembly complex in Lafia.

    Assembly reacts

    The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, alongside other lawmakers, visited the complex to inspect the damaged vehicle.

    He described the incident as unfortunate but expressed relief that no life was lost.

    “We thank Almighty God for saving the life of the Deputy Speaker from the auto crash. We are grateful that he is alive and safe,” Jatau said.

    Current condition

    According to reports, Oyanki is in stable condition following the crash.

    Background

    The incident adds to growing concerns over road accidents across Nigeria.

    Stakeholders have repeatedly linked the rising cases to poor driver training and weak enforcement of road safety regulations.

  • Naira Strengthens Slightly to ₦1,345/$ as Stability Holds Across Markets

    The Nigerian Naira opened trading on Tuesday at an average of ₦1,345.47 per dollar in the official market, extending its steady run as efforts to align exchange rates continue.

    What happened

    At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency recorded a slight appreciation during early trading.

    It briefly touched ₦1,345.87 per dollar before stabilising, reflecting consistent interbank activity and steady demand.

    Analysts say the performance is tied to ongoing reforms by the Central Bank aimed at improving liquidity and ensuring transparent pricing.

    Parallel market trend

    In the parallel market, the Naira maintained relative stability across major cities including Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano.

    The dollar traded between ₦1,390 and ₦1,405, with the gap between both markets remaining largely unchanged.

    Traders noted that volatility has reduced compared to previous periods, offering more predictability for users of the informal market.

    What is driving stability

    Market observers attribute the trend to improved investor confidence, stronger external reserves and increased dollar inflows.

    These factors have helped ease pressure on the local currency while supporting gradual convergence between official and parallel rates.

    The bigger picture

    For businesses and households, the current rates point to a period of relative calm.

    While global dollar strength still poses a risk, the Nigerian market continues to meet demand without major disruptions, supporting smoother transactions in the near term.

     

  • “You Deserve a Husband” — Tiwa Savage Shares Son’s Unexpected Reaction During Skepta Talk

    Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has shared a touching moment with her son, Jamil, revealing how a casual conversation about British rapper Skepta turned into a heartfelt exchange that has since gone viral.

    What happened

    Speaking in a recent interview, the singer said her son walked in while she was discussing Skepta with a friend and asked who they were talking about.

    In a lighthearted response, Tiwa said she jokingly referred to the rapper as her “baby daddy.”

    Jamil’s reaction

    According to her, Jamil immediately pushed back on the remark, telling her she deserved something more.

    “My son Jamil walked in while my friend and I were talking about Skepta. When he asked who we were talking about, I jokingly said ‘my baby daddy.’
    Jamil looked at me and replied, ‘You’re not gonna have a baby daddy… you deserve a husband,’” she said.

    Reactions trail video

    The moment has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing mixed opinions about the exchange.

    Some users questioned the singer’s comment, while others found the child’s response thoughtful and mature.

    The clip continues to circulate across social media platforms, drawing attention to the singer’s personal life and her bond with her son.

  • Police Release Woman Detained Over Viral “Bread Lasted Two Months” Claim

    A businesswoman, Love Dooshima, has been released from police custody after being detained over a viral social media review in which she claimed a loaf of bread stayed fresh for two months.

    Her release was confirmed early Tuesday following hours in custody at the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja.

    What happened

    According to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Dooshima honoured a police invitation around midday on Monday but was subsequently detained.

    Her arrest followed a complaint by a bread company, BON Bread, which alleged that her viral video misrepresented its product.

    In the video, Dooshima claimed the bread she purchased remained fresh for two months, sparking widespread reactions online.

    How she regained freedom

    Effiong said he, alongside others, arrived at the police facility late at night after receiving a distress call.

    He disclosed that Dooshima was released at about 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday after intervention from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

    Case not over

    Despite her release, the lawyer hinted that the matter is still ongoing.

    “We will be back by daybreak,” Effiong said, suggesting further legal steps may follow.

    The incident has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians debating consumer rights and corporate accountability.