Connect with us

News

Former Southern Governor Linked To Alleged Coup Plot In Nigeria

Published

on

A former governor from the southern part of Nigeria is reportedly under investigation for his suspected involvement in the alleged coup plot that led to the arrest of several army officers.

 

The detained officers were accused of planning to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

 

According to Daily Trust, security sources disclosed that the former governor is being closely monitored after reports emerged that he might have financed the planned coup, which was allegedly scheduled to take place on October 25.

 

Sixteen military officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, are currently in custody for their alleged roles in the scheme.

 

Some of them were said to be attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser.

 

Investigations are being handled by the Defence Intelligence Agency, with participation from officers representing the three branches of the Armed Forces.

 

The probe panel is reportedly led by a Major-General, and the full list of those being investigated is being kept confidential.

 

It was gathered that the former governor under watch had previously worked in the oil and gas sector before venturing into politics, Daily Trust reports.

 

Investigators are now reviewing his recent interactions with the detained officers to determine his level of involvement.

 

If strong evidence links him to the suspects, he may be summoned for interrogation.

 

Reports also revealed that the Brigadier-General in custody hails from Niger State, while the Colonel being investigated is from Nasarawa State and belongs to a prominent family.

 

The family, including relatives of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, is said to be deeply distressed by the situation.

 

In another development, Premium Times on Saturday reported that the alleged coup plot included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

 

Sources familiar with the development told Premium Times that the officers scheduled October 25 as the date to carry out the operation.

 

They allegedly intended to execute the plan on a day when all targeted officials would be within the country.

 

The plan reportedly involved a coordinated strike where the leaders would be attacked at the same time, while top military officers such as service chiefs would be arrested instead of killed.

 

Investigations from Premium Times show that the suspected coup plotters had informants within the Presidential Villa and close to the movements of the targeted officials.

 

These insiders allegedly monitored their schedules and provided intelligence to aid the planned operation.

 

The plot created panic within the government and security agencies, leading to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1.

 

Though arrests were made before the date, the presidency reportedly decided against holding the military parade to avoid potential security risks.

 

Around 20 officers have been arrested and detained over the alleged coup attempt.

 

More findings from Sahara Reporters revealed that most of the detained officers are from northern Nigeria and are currently being held at the DIA facility without access to their families.

 

According to Sahara Reporters, among them is Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura, who recently returned from a special combat course in China before being posted to the NSA office.

 

The officer is reportedly known for his strict and fearless approach during his time in Maiduguri, Borno State.

 

According to Sahara Reporters, his brother, also a Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the 343 Artillery Regiment in Elele, was briefly detained but later released after investigations cleared him of involvement.

 

Both men are nephews of Tanko Al-Makura, who now chairs the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

 

 

News

Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

Published

on

By

A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

Continue Reading

News

How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

Published

on

By

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

Continue Reading

News

Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

Published

on

By

The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending