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  • Alleged Coup Plot: Villa Maintenance Staff Says He Was Deceived Into Scheme Against Tinubu

    Zekari Umoru, one of the six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was misled into the incident.

    Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc attached to the Presidential Villa maintenance department, made the claim in a recorded extra-judicial statement played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

    How alleged involvement began

    He said his contact with the accused persons began in May 2025 through Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the presidential clinic and the third defendant in the case.

    According to him, Ibrahim later introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, also known as “Col. Mohammed Ma’aji”, who allegedly presented himself as a businessman seeking help with construction-related jobs.

    Cash transfers and repeated meetings

    Umoru told investigators that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian because bank transfers linked to the dealings carried the name Hassan Mohammed.

    He said he received multiple payments, sometimes in the presence of Ibrahim, and attended meetings where money was also shared among participants.

    He recounted a meeting at a location identified as “Tiger Bar”, where Ma’aji allegedly distributed between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 to those present after social interactions.

    Alleged ₦8.8m cash delivery

    Umoru further claimed that on September 24, 2025, he received a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag containing cash, which he later deposited at a Zenith Bank branch and confirmed to be ₦8.8 million.

    He said another ₦2 million was allegedly handed over the next day, with Ibrahim expected to explain its purpose later.

    Claims of alleged plot discussion

    He told the court that Ibrahim later hinted that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitise the government” with the support of unnamed associates.

    Umoru also alleged there was mention of using an ambulance driver to gain access into the Presidential Villa.

    Denial of coup involvement

    Despite the allegations, Umoru insisted he had no knowledge of any plan to overthrow the government, saying he only became suspicious later.

    He said he confronted Ibrahim after noticing repeated financial transactions and claimed he was misled throughout the process.

    Umoru also apologised to his employers and expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration.

    Case background

    The Federal Government is prosecuting six defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, including Umoru, Ibrahim, and several retired military officers.

    They were arraigned on 13 counts on April 22, 2026.

  • FG Bans Honorary Degree Holders from Using ‘Dr’ Title Nationwide

    The Federal Government has prohibited recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” in any official, academic or professional setting across Nigeria.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the directive on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    Crackdown on ‘Dr’ title misuse

    Alausa said the move follows a growing pattern of abuse linked to honorary degrees, which he described as increasingly politicised.

    “The recent trend… has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he stated.

    Concerns over patronage and ethics

    According to the minister, honorary awards have in some cases been used for political patronage and financial gain.

    He also raised concerns about the practice of conferring such honours on serving public officials, noting that it goes against established academic ethics.

    New rule takes effect

    Under the directive, recipients of honorary doctorates can no longer prefix their names with “Dr”.

    Instead, they are expected to clearly state the honorary nature of the award after their names.

    Push to restore academic integrity

    The government said the decision is aimed at protecting the credibility of academic titles and ensuring that earned qualifications are not undermined.

    The development is expected to trigger reactions across academic and public circles, where honorary titles have become increasingly common.

  • Reno Omokri Claims UK Fuel Hits ₦3,200/Litre, Sparks Fresh Debate in Nigeria

    Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has stirred fresh conversation after claiming petrol now sells for as high as ₦3,200 per litre in England, using the comparison to argue that rising fuel costs are a global issue.

    The comment followed a video he recorded shortly after arriving at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom.

    Conversation with UK driver fuels claim

    In the video, Omokri engaged a cab driver who said diesel prices were nearing £2 per litre, while petrol ranged between £1.65 and £1.85.

    The driver noted that prices had climbed from earlier levels of about £1.30 to £1.40 per litre.

    Omokri estimated the increase at over 30 percent, a claim the driver appeared to agree with.

    “Fuel hikes are global”

    Omokri used the exchange to argue that Nigeria’s fuel price situation should be viewed within a broader global context.

    He said geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are driving price increases across countries, regardless of whether they produce oil.

    “Price increases are not limited to Nigeria,” he suggested.

    Oil production not equal to cheap fuel

    The cab driver also noted that the UK produces between 700,000 and one million barrels of crude oil daily, yet still faces rising domestic fuel prices.

    Omokri pointed to this as evidence that oil-producing nations are not immune to global market forces.

    Mixed reactions trail comparison

    The claim has triggered debate online, with some Nigerians agreeing that global trends influence local fuel costs, while others question the accuracy of direct currency comparisons.

    The discussion reflects ongoing public concern over petrol pricing and economic realities in Nigeria.

  • Rufai Oseni Raises Alarm Over Justice Crack Arrest, Questions Military Action

    Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has reacted strongly to the reported arrest of content creator Justice Crack, questioning the Nigerian military’s justification and the manner of his detention.

    The incident follows a viral video in which Justice Crack raised concerns about the welfare of Nigerian soldiers.

    Rufai questions basis of arrest

    Speaking on the development, Rufai challenged the allegations against the content creator, particularly claims that the information he shared was false.

    He argued that the issues highlighted are already widely known, even among military personnel.

    “What exactly did he say that many military personnel themselves are not already complaining about?” he asked.

    “He was picked up against his will”

    Rufai also criticised how the arrest was reportedly carried out, describing it as forceful and lacking due process.

    According to him, Justice Crack was taken into custody against his will, raising concerns about the legality of the action.

    “He was picked up against his will… he was practically kidnapped until people started speaking up,” he said.

    Concerns over free expression

    The journalist further warned that such incidents could have wider implications for freedom of expression in the country.

    He suggested that individuals who speak on sensitive national issues could become vulnerable if due process is not followed.

    “I am speaking up today because it can happen to anyone,” he added.

    Debate grows over accountability

    The development has since triggered conversations online, with many Nigerians debating the balance between national security and the right to speak out.

    While some support the need for caution around sensitive information, others argue that concerns about soldiers’ welfare should not attract punitive measures.

  • Moniepoint Salary Document Leaks, Sparks Debate After CEO’s ‘Global Talent’ Claim

    An alleged salary document linked to Moniepoint has surfaced online, igniting fresh debate over pay standards in Nigeria’s tech sector.

    The document, which began circulating on social media, comes days after the company’s CEO raised concerns about the availability of global-standard talent in the country.

    Leaked pay details raise questions

    The document was shared by an X user, @unkleAyo, who claimed it reflects a Quality Assurance role package at the fintech company.

    According to the post, the annual salary is put at about ₦1.9 million, a figure that quickly drew attention.

    “This is currently circulated as what Moniepoint offers for a Quality Assurance role. ₦1.9M per year,” the user wrote.

    The claim further compared the figure to global earnings, suggesting it translates to roughly $1,300 annually.

    Work terms outlined in document

    Details in the alleged offer also included standard working hours from 8am to 5pm, with the possibility of extended hours depending on operational needs.

    It noted that extra hours may not attract additional compensation unless approved by the company.

    The document further stated that employees are expected to remain fully committed to assigned duties, attend meetings, and comply with internal policies.

    Bonus structure included

    Beyond the base pay, the package reportedly features a performance-based bonus ranging from 0 to 50 percent of the annual salary.

    The base compensation itself was listed at approximately ₦1,894,736 per year, subject to deductions.

    Online reactions intensify debate

    The development has triggered mixed reactions online, with many questioning whether such compensation aligns with ambitions to build globally competitive teams.

    Others argued that salary structures must reflect market realities, while some urged caution, noting that the document has not been officially confirmed by the company.

    The conversation adds to a growing debate around talent, compensation, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s evolving tech ecosystem.

  • Bandits Strike Katsina Communities, Kill Over 20 as Troops Neutralise 45 in Fierce Gun Battle

    At least 24 people have been killed in fresh bandit attacks on communities in Katsina State, with security forces also recording a major breakthrough after neutralising dozens of suspected terrorists.

    The incidents, which hit Musawa and Kankia local government areas, have deepened fears over rising insecurity in the region.

    Market attack leaves traders dead

    The first attack occurred on Monday evening at Jikamshi market in Musawa LGA, where gunmen reportedly stormed the area as traders were closing for the day.

    Witnesses said about 15 armed men on motorcycles opened fire, killing at least seven people and looting goods worth millions of naira.

    Local sources confirmed that the victims were buried according to Islamic rites, describing the incident as devastating.

    “The scale of the attack is enormous. The situation is beyond the state government alone,” a community leader said.

    Families recount painful losses

    Among the victims was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding.

    Family members said he left behind three wives, about 20 children, and several dependents.

    “Our lives are in danger now. He was our breadwinner… we don’t know how we will survive,” one of his wives said.

    Another victim, Rabi’u Ashiru, a phone trader, was killed in his shop just months before his planned wedding.

    His father described the loss as devastating, saying, “We have lost a pillar of the family.”

    Conflicting death toll after village attack

    In a separate incident, residents of Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA reported that 17 people were killed in an attack over the weekend.

    However, the Katsina State government put the figure at 11, describing the killings as a reprisal after security forces foiled an earlier assault.

    A resident insisted the casualty figure was higher, saying, “Death is not something you exaggerate. We buried 17 people.”

    Security forces engage bandits

    According to officials, the violence began after intelligence reports revealed that a bandit leader identified as Mohammadu was advancing towards key locations in the area.

    Security operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, engaged the attackers, neutralising several of them and recovering motorcycles and rustled cattle.

    Authorities said the bandits later regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on Gwalgoro village.

    Troops record major success in Danmusa

    Amid the attacks, troops reportedly neutralised 45 terrorists during a separate gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.

    The operation is being seen as a significant counter-effort, though residents say more needs to be done to prevent recurring attacks.

    Growing concern over insecurity

    Residents and community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that continued violence could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Many women and children have already fled affected areas, seeking safety in nearby towns.

  • “Are You Paying Global Salary?” UK-Based Nigerian Fires Back at Moniepoint CEO Over Talent Criticism

    A UK-based Nigerian has responded sharply to Moniepoint CEO Tosin Eniolorunda’s recent comments about difficulties in finding Nigerian professionals who meet global standards.

    The response came in a video circulating online, where he questioned whether local salary structures match the global talent expectations being demanded.

    “I understand your goal, but salary matters”

    The man said he understood the fintech boss’s ambition of building a globally competitive company but argued that compensation remains central to attracting top talent.

    “I saw the video where you said it’s hard to recruit Nigerians because they don’t meet global standards. That’s fine, I understand where you’re coming from,” he said.

    He, however, questioned whether the remuneration being offered aligns with global benchmarks.

    Comparison with UK earnings

    Drawing a comparison with the United Kingdom, where he currently resides, he broke down hourly wages to make his point.

    “In the UK they pay about £13 an hour, roughly N20,000 per hour. That’s about N160,000 per day for a 9–5 job, which is about N3.2 million monthly,” he explained.

    He added that even a slightly lower range in Nigeria would still be a strong incentive for skilled workers abroad.

    “If you’re paying N2 million to N2.5 million, people will consider relocating,” he said.

    Push for stronger compensation structure

    The UK-based Nigerian argued that better pay could help reverse talent migration and attract Nigerians in the diaspora.

    He suggested that competitive packages would encourage skilled professionals to return or collaborate remotely.

    “So sir, just let us know. Because you want global talent, are you paying global salary?” he asked.

    Debate around talent and wages continues

    His remarks come amid ongoing discussions triggered by Moniepoint’s CEO, who recently highlighted a gap in talent quality within Nigeria’s job market.

    While some support concerns over skills and standards, others insist that salary levels and work conditions remain a major barrier to attracting top-tier professionals.

     

  • Gunmen Abduct Two IBEDC Staff on Duty Along Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has confirmed that two of its staff members were abducted while on duty along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, raising fresh concerns over security in the area.

    The incident occurred on April 29, 2026, according to a statement issued by the company.

    Workers kidnapped during official duty

    IBEDC said the employees were carrying out their responsibilities when they were whisked away by gunmen on the Oyo State axis of the road.

    The company described the development as deeply troubling.

    “We are deeply concerned about this situation, and our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families at this difficult time,” the statement read.

    Company engages security agencies

    IBEDC said it is working closely with relevant security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted workers.

    Efforts are ongoing, although no further details have been provided on the progress of the rescue operation.

    Rising insecurity in Oyo axis

    The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnapping in parts of Oyo State and surrounding areas.

    Last month, a young woman identified as Adetutu Aderibigbe was abducted outside her residence in Ibadan.

    Sources said she was taken by gunmen around 6pm in the Bolumole area and driven away in a vehicle without number plates.

    Concerns deepen among residents

    Recent cases of abduction have heightened fears among residents, with calls for stronger security measures across the state.

    The latest attack on utility workers has further underscored the risks faced by individuals carrying out essential services.

  • Drama as Woman Accuses RCCG Pastor of Sexual Assault Attempt in Viral Video

    A viral video has triggered widespread reactions after a woman accused a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) of attempting to sexually assault her during a private encounter.

    The allegation surfaced online, drawing attention to the conduct of religious leaders and accountability within faith communities.

    Allegation emerges in viral clip

    In the video, the woman claimed she visited the pastor’s residence to deliver food when the situation allegedly changed.

    She said the pastor began making advances toward her and ignored her repeated refusals.

    According to her, the incident escalated into an attempted assault, which she resisted.

    Details of the encounter

    The woman alleged that the pastor persisted despite her objections and later made further inappropriate demands.

    “I kept telling you no… you were trying to rape me,” she said in the video.

    During the exchange, the pastor was seen attempting to respond and question parts of her claims.

    Reactions trail incident

    The video has since generated intense debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation.

    Some users demanded accountability, while others urged caution pending verification of the claims.

    No official response yet

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the RCCG or relevant authorities regarding the allegation.

    The incident adds to ongoing conversations around safety, consent and responsibility within religious spaces.

     

  • Rufai Oseni Alleges Moves to Block Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Elections

    Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has alleged that there may be political efforts aimed at preventing Peter Obi from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.

    He made the claim while commenting on recent political developments involving opposition figures.

    Oseni claims strategy to limit Obi

    Speaking during a discussion, Oseni suggested that Obi remains one of the strongest opposition figures capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu.

    He argued that attempts could be made to stop him from appearing on the ballot.

    “The only person that can give President Tinubu a push is Mr Peter Obi. The first strategy is to ensure he doesn’t get on the ballot,” he said.

    Links party switches to internal crises

    Oseni also addressed criticisms surrounding Obi’s movement across political parties.

    He said such decisions were influenced by internal disputes within opposition parties, drawing parallels with the crisis that affected the Peoples Democratic Party in 2022.

    According to him, similar tensions contributed to Obi’s exit from the African Democratic Congress.

    Claims over ADC structure

    The media personality further alleged that the structure of the ADC had been influenced by the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    He referenced disagreements over zoning arrangements, claiming there were differences during a meeting in Oyo State.

    “From a source, there were plans to zone the ticket to the South, but Atiku’s camp insisted otherwise,” he said.

    Debate over Obi’s exit

    Oseni also disputed Obi’s stated reason for leaving the ADC, suggesting the move was driven by internal pressure rather than legal concerns.

    He claimed the former governor had been “pushed into a corner” within the party.

    The comments add to ongoing debates around opposition realignments and political strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.