Defamation Suit: Court orders Natasha to pay Bello ₦1bn

 

A High Court sitting in Lokoja has ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in damages after ruling in favour of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a long-running defamation suit.

 

The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim and contained in a Certified True Copy dated April 23, 2026, followed proceedings in suit number HCL/16/2023. The court held that the evidence presented supported the claimant’s case on the balance of probabilities.

 

In his ruling, the judge found that comments made by the senator during a November 4, 2022 interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show were defamatory and injurious to Bello’s reputation. The court noted that the statements in question included allegations describing the former governor as a murderer and individual linked to violent conduct, which it said were not justified by evidence.

 

Justice Ibrahim further issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, her agents, and associates from making or repeating similar statements across any media platform, including television and radio.

 

Beyond the monetary award, the court emphasized that the defamatory remarks had caused reputational harm, thereby justifying the substantial damages granted in favour of the claimant.

 

The suit was initiated by Yahaya Bello, who alleged defamation of character. His legal team maintained that the case was properly filed and not an abuse of court process, countering arguments raised by the defence challenging jurisdiction.

 

 

Although the defence team, led by Senior Advocate Johnson J. Usman, had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, the trial court ruled otherwise. The decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in case number CA/ABJ/CV/626/2024, which dismissed the appeal as lacking merit and confirmed the trial court’s authority to hear the matter.

 

With the appellate court’s affirmation, the ruling has now placed final judicial weight on the decision, bringing a major legal battle between both parties to a decisive conclusion. GWG.

 

Nigeria’s security system has failed – Imans

 

 

Association of Jumma’at Mosque Imams in Nigeria say the security architecture and other systems have failed, prompting calls for prayer for peace and stability in the country.

Dr Yusuf Abdullahi Yusuf, Assistant Secretary of the Association, said this on Friday during a special prayer for national peace and unity held at Jos Central Mosque.

 

At the prayer session which drew Jumma’at Mosques imams and other religious leaders from all parts of the State, Dr Yusuf said unless Imams on the pulpit rise to the occasion to pray and guide citizens aright, the country cannot be salvaged from its woes.

 

He explained that the prayer session was to remind Imams to preach messages of peace, unity and truthfulness and the significance of security in the society.

 

According to him: “As humans, our technology has failed. Our efforts as individuals have failed. We live in a country with a security architecture, but it has failed. The country is facing serious problems of economic crisis, ethnoreligious violence, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.

 

“We have the Almighty who is willing to answer our prayers and change our condition. With prayer, Allah will guide our security personnel to do what is needed and help leaders choose the right path and make good decisions.

 

“The lessons of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) have to do with unity, peace, security and other virtues. We are using this session to urge Imams to make weekly congregational prayers for peace and unity mandatory. With this commitment, we hope Allah will answer your prayers.” Globalupfront.

 

Association of Jumma’at Mosque Imams in Nigeria say the security architecture and other systems have failed, prompting calls for prayer for peace and stability in the country.

Dr Yusuf Abdullahi Yusuf, Assistant Secretary of the Association, said this on Friday during a special prayer for national peace and unity held at Jos Central Mosque.

 

At the prayer session which drew Jumma’at Mosques imams and other religious leaders from all parts of the State, Dr Yusuf said unless Imams on the pulpit rise to the occasion to pray and guide citizens aright, the country cannot be salvaged from its woes.

 

He explained that the prayer session was to remind Imams to preach messages of peace, unity and truthfulness and the significance of security in the society.

 

According to him: “As humans, our technology has failed. Our efforts as individuals have failed. We live in a country with a security architecture, but it has failed. The country is facing serious problems of economic crisis, ethnoreligious violence, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.

 

“We have the Almighty who is willing to answer our prayers and change our condition. With prayer, Allah will guide our security personnel to do what is needed and help leaders choose the right path and make good decisions.

 

“The lessons of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) have to do with unity, peace, security and other virtues. We are using this session to urge Imams to make weekly congregational prayers for peace and unity mandatory. With this commitment, we hope Allah will answer your prayers.” Globalupfront.

The Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance: Puff or Pith?

 

 

By Ugoji Egbujo

 

Pith. Some say wistfully that the alliance has come four years late.

 

Its optimistic supporters insist that a ticket promising equity, unity and prosperity is never late. It was first mooted in 2022, but bloated egos would not let it thrive. Fortunately, the last elections cleared some delusions. Perhaps the alliance has arrived at its appointed time.

 

After the 2023 presidential election—which Peter Obi still insists he won—it became clear and urgent that he and his supporters needed a credible inroad into the Muslim north. That north-south mathematical bridge could not be built by an idealistic neophyte, no matter how bombastic his ideas or fervent his loyalty. No amount of philanthropic projects could carve it. The negative stereotypes and ethnic suspicions accumulated over decades required political bulldozing and the reconstruction of concrete bridges.

 

Yet with the Obidients, an emotional bunch, Obi had to be careful. Many had threatened to abandon him if he sacrificed purity for naked expediency. They wanted a political marriage that would enhance electability, but they did not want Obi playing second fiddle to a politician with a moral hunchback. The cohesion of the Obidiency hung in delicate balance.

 

After the 2023 polls, the ruling party began a slow, coordinated liquidation of the opposition. Its dirty fingerprints were visible in every political crisis. Peter Obi’s Labour Party was an early target; it soon became a terribly unstable platform, riddled with moles proclaiming support for Tinubu while struggling to seize the steering wheel. Judiciary-assisted destabilisation spread across all major opposition parties. Many politicians were bullied, broken or bought. They flocked into the ruling party in droves. As the country drifted toward a one-party state, the remnant opposition needed urgent unification to resist the destructive homogenisation of political diversity. Obi and the Obidients required a marriage. They had to seek a new tent. Perhaps the gods were not slumbering after all because at some pointed it seemed Kwankwaso was a lost defected cause .

 

The Obidients had long bragged that Obi was different. Having left the pond for a stormy sea full of sharks, Obi’s  supporters dreaded he would be swallowed by the currents and lose his moral appeal. Yet 2027, against a sitting and shrewd incumbent obsessed with total political control, would demand more than a determined solo effort.  They could justify his presence in an orisirisi coalition with leaders whose characters they had once mocked. But they feared that pairing him with a perceived “contaminated” politician would damage the brand. This tension between idealism and pragmatism had to be resolved without fracture.

 

The best path to defeating Tinubu might have been a pairing with Atiku, but Atiku would not inspire the Obidients; to them he was simply Northern Tinubu. With Kwankwaso, they breathed a sigh of relief. They share much with the Kwankwasiyya, whose energy flows from their leader’s commitment to the emancipation of the downtrodden. Both are organic movements . Vote-laden political juggernauts that do not need to be pushed with cash and do not run on rice. Kwankwaso isn’t just a more compatible ally,  the Kwankwassiyya and the Obidiency could prove a  profound  synergism.

 

On Kwankwaso’s part, 2023 must have been eye-opening, even humbling. Whatever national clout he imagined he and his Kwankwasiyya possessed outside Kano was not reflected on the electoral scoreboard. Yet with Kano still in his pocket, his beautiful bride  shakara and political dreams  could not be curtailed. His first recourse was Tinubu. It did not work. He never made the cabinet. But the twerking did not stop. At some point it appeared promiscuous , he  began to look like a chameleon. His opportunistic ambivalence depreciated his reputation in opposition circles.

 

His movement seemed a private vehicle for personal ambition in Kano, with limited national vision. The bemused opposition wondered how the self-proclaimed leader of the talakawa would explain Tinubu and the spreading misery and hunger to his own suffering  followers. After his protégé, the Kano governor, defected to Tinubu and was branded a Judas, Kwankwaso’s flirtation with the ruling party appeared to have outlived its usefulness. The man who had demanded an arm and a leg had lost bargaining power.

 

Out in the cold, with his political dynasty in peril and Kano no longer securely in his kitty, 2027 loomed. Pride could no longer obscure reality. Yet he still nursed an eye on 2031. The situation demanded urgency and  clarity—a local and national strategy without Tinubu. The first step was to stop being elusive and fully commit to the opposition coalition. The second was to yield to Obasanjo and others who sought to unite the Kwankwasiyya with the Obidients. Pitching with the strongest political movement in the south and Middle Belt could prove useful now and in the future.

 

As that unity gains traction, the broader coalition leaders must now contend with the disastrous  prospect of losing the two most vibrant movements in their fold. The Obi-Kwankwaso movement was deliberately triggered early  to create  its own gravitational pull before the primaries. The old coalition had an Obidiency exceptionalism problem; it had dismissed the Obidiency’s  insistence on Obi as impertinent. With the Obi-Kwankwaso movement, such an outright  dismissal now seems imprudent.

 

As Obi and Kwankwaso now attend coalition events hand in hand like partners, while their supporters sing like wedding guests, it looks almost inevitable that they will appear together on the ballot of a political party. Their brightest chances lie within the opposition coalition backed by Atiku, Amaechi and other stalwarts. Any vote-splitting would only help Tinubu, as it did in 2023. But if the Obi-Kwankwaso movement chooses to go it alone in a three-horse race, they are not necessarily doomed. Their supporters might grow even more passionate.

 

They would need to ignite the imagination of the youth and create sufficient deterrence against electoral theft. Will Kwankwaso stay glued to the ticket and fight electoral theft to the end? In other words, what is the degree of fidelity in this alliance? Time will tell

 

The Obi-Kwankwaso movement promises a new beginning. Both leaders are deeply trusted by their followers, who vouch for their character and competence. They command perhaps the most inspired political supporters in Nigeria. Time will tell whether the alliance can do the spadework required to win—and protect—a presidential election victory. To instil confidence in the electorate and break the grip of apathy, Obi and Kwankwaso must shed their reticence. The country needs a political revolution.

 

On election day, the electorate is unlikely to take risks for timid candidates. In the coming months, both men must show Nigerians glimpses of the bold and transformational leadership the nation desperately needs. They must lead from the front—with their lifestyles, their passion, and their defiance against every appearance of tyranny. Both bring self-propelled movements. The question is no longer puff or pith. It is whether they will now deliver the substance they have promised, before, during , and after the elections.

 

@Ugoji Egbujo

Reactions as Kenya’s President Ruto hits back at Tinubu, mocks Nigerians

 

There have been reactions as Kenyan President William Ruto criticised Nigeria’s economic conditions and English usage, pushing back against comments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that in terms of economic conditions, Nigerians are better off than citizens of other African countries, especially Kenya.

The exchange followed remarks by Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated key infrastructure projects and defended his administration’s economic policies despite rising fuel prices.

 

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said.

 

In a now-viral video response, President Ruto dismissed the comparison, pointing to Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, particularly its persistent power supply issues, and taking a swipe at its English usage.

 

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said, using humour to defend his country’s standing.

 

The remarks come amid broader economic pressures across Africa, including rising fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

 

The exchange has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users criticising both the comparison and the tone of the remarks.

 

On X (formerly Twitter), a user, Bureau-39, wrote, “Let’s not drag the whole country into this shit between two incompetent mad corrupt politicians. Both the countries speak good English, Kenya leans toward a clearer, more British-influenced style, while Nigeria mixes it with rich local flair and pidgin that can sound like its own dialect.”

 

Another commenter, Frank Bryant, questioned the basis of the debate, saying, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”

 

Xave added, “and you think they would listen to you the only thing Africans are good at is fighting amongst themselves.”

 

Obiridike commented: “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

 

Similarly, Michael James echoed: “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

 

While Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest oil producers, it continues to grapple with inflation, currency instability and erratic electricity supply.

 

Kenya, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a regional hub for finance and technology, though it also faces economic challenges, including rising debt and cost-of-living pressures.

Globalupfront

U.S. Justice Department moves to expand execution methods, reintroduces firing squad option

 

The United States Department of Justice has announced new measures aimed at expediting federal death penalty cases, including the reintroduction of firing squads as an approved method of execution.

 

In a statement released Friday, the department said it is reinstating policies from President Donald Trump’s earlier administration, including the use of lethal injection protocols and the expansion of execution methods. The move also includes efforts to streamline internal procedures to shorten the time between conviction and execution.

The Justice Department noted that the updated framework is designed to reinforce enforcement against individuals convicted of the most serious crimes, including terrorism and violent offenses. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the changes reflect a renewed commitment to enforcing existing laws and delivering justice for victims.

The development marks a shift from policies under the previous administration, which had scaled back federal death penalty practices. The latest measures signal a return to a more assertive approach in handling capital punishment cases at the federal level.

Newspot.

Corps member beaten to death by Benue vigilantes

 

 

A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, identified as Ben Agir, has allegedly been beaten to death by members of a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area, Benue State.

 

The incident happened Sunday night between 11 p.m. and midnight at Anibros settlement near the LGA secretariat, during a night patrol by the vigilantes.

 

A local source said Agir was stopped on suspicion of motorcycle theft.

 

“From what I gathered, they said they caught him and suspected he was a bike snatcher. Before he could explain himself and present his ID card, one of the leaders started beating him, claiming he was not telling them the truth,” Aondoakura said.

 

“They beat him to a coma. Seeing his condition, they took him to a hospital that night, and he died.”

 

The Buruku LGA Chairman, Raymond Sunday said the suspects have been arrested and handed over to the police. He added that the council has suspended vigilante operations in the area pending regulation.

 

“We confirmed that the deceased was a serving corps member,” Aondoakura stated.

 

However, NYSC Public Relations Officer in Benue, Mrs. Veronica Ogwuche, said preliminary findings indicate the deceased was not serving in Benue.

 

“He may have been serving in Gombe State,” she told reporters.

 

Attempts to reach Benue Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. The ConclaveNG

Kenyan President hits back at Tinubu, mocks Nigerians

President William Ruto has criticised Nigeria’s economic conditions and English usage, pushing back against comments by President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians are better off than citizens of other African countries.

The exchange followed remarks by Tinubu during a visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated key infrastructure projects and defended his administration’s economic policies despite rising fuel prices.

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said.

In a now-viral video response, Ruto dismissed the comparison, pointing to Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, particularly its persistent power supply issues, and taking a swipe at its English usage.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said, using humour to defend his country’s standing.

The remarks come amid broader economic pressures across Africa, including rising fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

The exchange has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users criticising both the comparison and the tone of the remarks.

On X (formerly Twitter), a user, Bureau-39, wrote, “Let’s not drag the whole country into this shit between two incompetent mad corrupt politicians. Both the countries speak good English, Kenya leans toward a clearer, more British-influenced style, while Nigeria mixes it with rich local flair and pidgin that can sound like its own dialect.”

Another commenter, Frank Bryant, questioned the basis of the debate, saying, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”

Xave added, “and you think they would listen to you the only thing Africans are good at is fighting amongst themselves.”

Obiridike commented, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Similarly, Michael James echoed, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

While Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest do oil producers, it continues to grapple with inflation, currency instability and erratic electricity supply.

Kenya, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a regional hub for finance and technology, though it also faces economic challenges, including rising debt and cost-of-living pressures. (Daily Trust) ConclaveNG.

Governor Otti appoints D/Speaker Kalu’s wife as ABSUTH Board Chairman, sparks political debate

 

 

 

 

Governor Otti Appoints Benjamin Kalu’s Wife as ABSUTH Board Chairman, Sparks Political Debate in Abia

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has approved the appointment of Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu as Chairman of the Management Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, in a move that has generated both commendation and political debate within the state.

 

Dr. Ezinne Benjamin-Kalu is the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency and is widely regarded as a prominent political figure in Abia. The appointment was announced through an official government statement, which also unveiled a newly reconstituted management board for the institution.

 

According to the state government, the reconstitution of the ABSUTH board is part of a broader strategy to revitalise the hospital and reposition it as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical research, and professional training. The administration emphasised that the new leadership is expected to drive reforms that will enhance service quality, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the institution’s academic and clinical reputation.

 

Alongside Dr. Benjamin-Kalu, several other professionals were named to serve on the board. These include Prof. Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo as Chief Medical Director, as well as Dr. Kelechi Omende, Dr. Temple Nwosu, and Dr. Patrick Umezurike as members. Other appointees are Prof. P. E. N. Onyemachi, who will serve as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee; Prof. Gazie Okpara, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senate Representative; and Prof. Chuks Kamanu, Provost of the College of Medical Sciences.

 

The board also includes Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu, representing the Ministry of Health; Mrs. Ihuoma Nwagbara as Director of Administration and Secretary to the Board; and Dr. Odochi Ewurum, representing the Nigeria Medical Association. The composition reflects a blend of administrative, academic, and clinical expertise, which the government believes will be instrumental in achieving its healthcare reform objectives.

 

In his remarks, Governor Otti congratulated the newly appointed chairman and board members, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering tangible improvements in the hospital’s operations. He stressed the importance of commitment, professionalism, and innovation in transforming ABSUTH into a leading healthcare institution not only in Abia State but across Nigeria.

 

The governor noted that strengthening the healthcare sector remains a central pillar of his administration’s agenda, adding that institutions like ABSUTH must be repositioned to meet the growing demands for quality medical services and training.

 

“These appointments are aimed at bringing in capable hands who can help reposition the hospital for better service delivery, research output, and training of medical professionals,” the statement indicated.

 

The appointments take immediate effect and are seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Abia State Government to overhaul key public institutions. In recent months, the administration has undertaken a series of reforms targeting infrastructure, governance, and service delivery across various sectors, with healthcare identified as a priority area.

 

However, the decision to appoint Dr. Benjamin-Kalu as board chairman has also sparked political reactions, given her relationship with a key opposition figure in the state. Benjamin Kalu, as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is considered a major political actor and is widely believed to be a potential contender in the forthcoming governorship election in Abia State.

 

Critics have argued that the appointment blurs the line between governance and politics, raising questions about the motivations behind the decision. Some observers contend that bringing a close family member of a political rival into a strategic public role could be interpreted in different ways—either as a gesture of inclusivity or as a calculated political move.

 

Others, however, have defended the appointment, insisting that professional competence and experience should be the primary criteria for public office, rather than political affiliations or family ties. They argue that if the appointee possesses the requisite qualifications and expertise, her relationship with a political figure should not automatically disqualify her from serving.

 

Supporters of the governor have also framed the move as an indication of political maturity, suggesting that it demonstrates a willingness to prioritise governance over partisan divisions. In their view, appointing individuals based on merit, regardless of political associations, could foster a more inclusive and effective administration.

 

Despite the differing perspectives, the development has added a new dimension to the political landscape in Abia State, particularly as preparations for the next governorship election gradually gather momentum. The intersection of governance decisions and political considerations remains a defining feature of Nigeria’s democratic process, often shaping public perception and discourse.

 

For the newly appointed board, however, the immediate task lies in addressing the operational challenges facing ABSUTH. Like many public healthcare institutions in Nigeria, the hospital has faced issues ranging from funding constraints and infrastructure deficits to workforce shortages and service delivery gaps.

 

The success of the new management team will likely be measured by its ability to implement reforms that improve patient care, enhance training programmes, and attract investment into the institution. Achieving these goals will require not only technical expertise but also effective coordination among stakeholders within and outside the healthcare system.

 

As the board settles into its responsibilities, attention will remain focused on how it navigates both the administrative demands of the institution and the broader expectations of the public. In a sector where performance directly impacts lives, the stakes are particularly high.

 

Ultimately, Governor Otti’s latest appointments underscore the complex interplay between governance, professionalism, and politics in public administration. Whether the decision proves to be a strategic masterstroke or a source of continued controversy will depend largely on the outcomes delivered by the new leadership of ABSUTH in the months ahead. Uzorngoladi.

Tinubu sacks Finance, Housing Ministers

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), resulting in the exit of two ministers and the appointment of new replacements.

 

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and signed by George Akume.

 

According to the statement, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have been directed to leave the cabinet.

Edun is to hand over to Taiwo Oyedele, who has been elevated from his position as Minister of State in the ministry to assume the role of substantive Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

 

In the housing sector, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while Dangiwa has been directed to hand over to the Minister of State pending further processes.

 

The SGF stated that all handing-over procedures must be concluded on or before the close of business on April 23, 2026.

 

Explaining the rationale behind the reshuffle, Akume said the changes were designed to “strengthen cohesion and synergy in governance” and to enhance the delivery of economic benefits to Nigerians in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

He added that the President acted within the powers conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

 

Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours.

 

The President also assured members of the cabinet that efforts to reinvigorate government operations would be an ongoing process.

 

The reshuffle is seen as part of broader efforts by the administration to recalibrate its economic team and improve policy execution amid ongoing reforms.

Authority.

FG to arraign retired General, ex-minister, five others for alleged 2025 coup plot

The Federal Government will on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, arraign seven persons, including a retired major general and a former minister of state, for an alleged 2025 plot to overthrow the Nigerian state.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a 13-count charge of treason, terrorism, and money laundering before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, was entered April 20 by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

Named in the charge are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva is listed as “at large.”
Prosecutors allege the group conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The FG further claims the defendants knew of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but “did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.” A related count says they “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Beyond treason, the charge invokes the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The AGF alleges the defendants “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism” and that Inspector Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru attended meetings “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure” of Nigeria.

The charge also cites suppression of intelligence: the defendants allegedly “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”

Financial counts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, allege terrorism financing. Bukar Goni is accused of retaining N50 million “which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing.” Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

Zekeri Umoru is accused of accepting a N10 million cash payment “without going through a financial institution” and retaining another N8.8 million suspected to be terrorism proceeds. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly took possession of N1 million linked to the scheme.

The prosecution describes the case as “a coordinated network involving security personnel, civilians, and a politically exposed individual, allegedly connected to activities threatening national security.”

The arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday before Justice Abdulmalik in Abuja. No plea has been entered.
The ConclaveNG