News
Substandard materials responsible for Jos school building collapse, says institute
The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) says the Saint Academy school building in Jos was “distressed”.
Speaking on Tuesday during a news conference in Plateau state, Samson Duna, director-general of NBRRI, said the institute constituted a committee to investigate the collapse.
Last week, the two-storey structure collapsed as students wrote their third term examinations.
The Plateau state government said the death toll from the incident was 22, adding that about 132 students sustained injuries.
Duna said the committee was headed by Fredrick Job of the University of Jos and was approved by Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science, and technology.
He said investigation into the incident revealed that substandard materials were used for the construction.
“The committee discovered that the quantity of concrete was in doubt because there was no bond between the concrete and the steel reinforcement,” NAN quoted Duna as saying.
“The slab reinforcement anchorage provided was inadequate, and the sizes of the footing (foundation) provided were less than the required number of 1200 mm x 1200 mm.”
He said the preliminary findings were based on interviews conducted with eyewitnesses and experts.
He added that the outcome of the investigation would be made public to forestall a recurrence.
The director-general assured Nigerians of the institute’s commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended
Source: The Cable
Former US President Barack Obama has launched a spirited defence of Democratic values while sharply criticising what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” of Donald Trump’s administration, as he campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey.
At a packed rally at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama urged voters to turn out for Abigail Spanberger, calling the upcoming election “a chance to restore decency and sanity” in American politics.
“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama said to cheers. “Every day, this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”
The two-term president, still a unifying figure among Democrats, accused the Trump administration of pursuing “shambolic” economic and security policies. He condemned Trump’s tariff measures and the deployment of National Guard troops to US cities, while faulting Republicans in Congress for failing to check Trump “even when they know he’s out of line.”
“I was surprised,” Obama said, “at how quickly business leaders, law firms, and universities bent the knee to appease Trump, even when they knew he was out of line.”
Later in the day, at another rally in Newark, New Jersey, Obama delivered similar remarks in support of Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Employing his trademark wit, Obama quipped: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
He also took a sarcastic jab at Trump’s reported White House renovations during a government shutdown, saying, “In fairness, he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom.”
According to recent polls, Spanberger, 46, a former CIA officer and six-year congresswoman, holds a comfortable lead over Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. In New Jersey, Sherrill maintains a single-digit advantage over Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive bid for governor.
Despite the Democratic edge, Republicans remain optimistic about narrowing margins. Ciatterelli lost the 2021 gubernatorial race by just three points, while Trump trailed Joe Biden by only six points in New Jersey in last year’s presidential election.
With early voting underway, Obama’s appearances underscore the Democrats’ effort to energise their base and frame next week’s elections as a referendum on Trump-era politics.
Arise News
The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and fostering a spirit of tolerance among its citizens.
This affirmation comes in the wake of a recent statement issued by the United States of America regarding the situation of religious freedoms in Nigeria.
In a comprehensive press release dated Saturday and signed by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government emphasized its unwavering resolve to combat the scourge of violent extremism that has affected various regions of the country. Mr. Ebienfa emphasized that this commitment is not only about enforcing laws but also about fostering an environment where diverse religious practices can coexist peacefully alongside one another.
Additionally, the statement expressed deep condolences for all individuals who have fallen victim to acts of violent extremism. The Federal Government underscored its ongoing support for the armed forces, reinforcing its commitment to collaborate closely with them in their endeavors to restore peace and security throughout Nigeria. The government remains dedicated to ensuring that all citizens can live without fear of violence or persecution based on their religious beliefs.
Mr. Ebienfa noted that like the United States, Nigeria values its diversity, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.
The Foreign Affairs spokesperson also emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States, expressing confidence that both nations will continue to work together in promoting peace, democracy, and global stability.
The statement reads, “The Federal Government has noted the recent statement by the United States of America on religious freedom in Nigeria. We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fuelled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” the statement concluded.
Military investigators probing the alleged attempted coup are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit to unravel the financial flows linked to individuals accused of bankrolling the plot, according to The PUNCH.
This was as indications emerge that the bank accounts of some of the suspects might have been frozen by the authorities, as part of the probe procedures.
The PUNCH could not immediately confirm the development, as no one was willing to comment on it. But a security official described this as standard procedure in such cases.
However, multiple security sources familiar with the probe confirmed that the EFCC and NFIU are carrying out a forensic investigation on the bank accounts of the soldiers and the civilians involved in the plot to overthrow the Federal Government.
The forensic investigation will cover transaction analysis, including reviewing deposits, withdrawals, and transfers to identify suspicious patterns; tracking of account activity over time; identifying the origin of funds and determining the true owners of the accounts under probe.
The investigation is also said to have been widened to cover the associates and business partners of the key suspects.
The development is coming on the heels of the discovery of the alleged transfer of N45 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission to those involved in the plot.
Sahara Reporters had reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were arrested for allegedly planning a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The online platform linked the purported plot to the Federal Government’s cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied that the detention of the officers was tied to a coup attempt.
Nevertheless, security operatives raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, taking away his younger brother, Paga and driver, as the investigation gained momentum.
The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was reportedly outside the country at the time.
On Wednesday, Sylva’s spokesman, Chief Julius Bokoru, confirmed that his principal’s residence was raided, adding that the ex-minister and his wife were out of the country at the time.
He denied the former governor’s involvement in the rumoured coup plot, accusing his political adversaries of trying to frame him.
Providing an update on Thursday, military insiders explained that the investigators are relying on the EFCC and NFIU to uncover the money trail and flow of funds deployed for the execution of the alleged coup.
Sources in the anti-graft agencies confirmed their involvement in the probe.
“This is discreet intelligence work. Until the entire exercise is concluded, we cannot provide a list of all those involved, how much was deployed for the plot or the amount recovered. The investigators are relying on the EFCC and NFIU for this,” a security source who is privy to the investigation disclosed.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment on Thursday. His NFIU counterpart, Aishatu Bantam, did not respond to phone calls.
Meanwhile, the names of the 16 alleged coup plotters have surfaced.
The army officers include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant.
The remaining two are a lieutenant commander from the Navy, the naval equivalent of a major, and a squadron leader from the Air Force, which holds the exact rank equivalence.
Premium Times reported that 12 of the 14 army officers belonged to the Infantry Corps, the army’s frontline combat unit whose troops primarily engage in ground battles.
One officer is reportedly from the Signals Corps, which manages military communications, while another serves in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for procuring, storing, and maintaining weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other essential hardware.
They were reportedly led by Brig. Gen Musa Abubakar Sadiq. Others include Col M.A. Ma’aji, Lt. Colonel S. Bappah, Lt Col A.A. Hayatu, P. Dangnap, Lt. Col M. Almakura, Major A. J Ibrahim, Major M.M. Jiddah, Major M.A. Usman, Major D. Yusuf, Major I. Dauda, Capt Ibrahim Bello, Capt A.A Yusuf, Lt S.S Felix, Lt . Commander D. B. Abdullahi and Squandron Leader S. B Adamu.
Meanwhile, The Cable reported that an air force officer recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser was detailed to kill the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Accoring to The Cable, Squadron Leader SB Adamu (Service No. NAF/3481) from Jigawa State was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre — an agency under ONSA — about four weeks before the coup attempt was uncovered.
Contrary to claims that several suspects worked directly with ONSA, investigators said Adamu was the only one connected to the office through the NCTC.
Military insiders said when the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka,requested the posting of a specific officer to the centre in August 2025, the request was surprisingly turned down. Instead, Adamu was deployed — a move now fuelling suspicions that the alleged coup plotters may have penetrated the military hierarchy.
Adamu is a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Course 59.
Recent investigations have uncovered additional information regarding a coup plot, shedding light on various troubling details.
This alarming revelation raises serious concerns about the integrity of national security. It highlights the extent to which the plotters may have been willing to go in their efforts to destabilize the government.
According to sources knowledgeable about the ongoing inquiry into this alleged conspiracy, an air force officer who has recently been assigned to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was allegedly tasked with the assassination of Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, according to TheCable.
The implications of these findings could be profound, potentially affecting both national security operations and the very fabric of governance in the country.
SB Adamu, a squadron leader with service no NAF/3481 from Jigawa state, was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — a programme coordinated by ONSA — four weeks before the alleged coup plot was botched.
Contrary to reports that many of the suspects were working with the ONSA, Adamu was the only one linked to the office through the NCTC.
The NCTC is one of the programmes coordinated by the ONSA.
Military sources told TheCable that when Adamu Garba Laka, a major general and national coordinator of NCTC, requested for a specific officer to be posted to the centre in August 2025, he was surprised that his request was not approved.
Instead, Adamu was posted to the office — and this is now fuelling speculation that the alleged coup plotters had infiltrated the military hierarchy.
Adamu was a member of regular course 59 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
President Bola Tinubu recently did a clear-out, sacking two of his services chiefs, including Hasan Abubakar, an air marshal.
The detailed squadron leader was allegedly detailed to “take out” Ribadu just as some other officers were tasked with killing other senior government officials, TheCable was informed.
He is said to be cooperating with investigators.
Military authorities are yet to officially confirm the coup plot.
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) insisted, in a press statement after Sahara Reporters broke the story, that the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.
Tukur Gusau, a brigadier and director of defence information, said the findings of the investigation will be made public.
Media reports have continued to reveal the identities of those in detention after the story of the alleged coup plot.
Source: TheCable
The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, says the Presidency will stand by the Nigerian Military’s position that there was never a coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to Naija News, on October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had released a statement describing as false and misleading the reports online that alleged that activities to mark the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria were cancelled over an attempted coup plot.
The rumours of a coup intensified further after President Tinubu sacked the Service Chiefs.
In an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Dare said the Presidency will stick to the narrative of the Nigerian Military that there was no coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to him, the presidency will only change its position when the military says otherwise, because the military is constitutionally empowered to secure the country.
He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.
“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”
In a significant turn of events, the military has taken decisive action by arresting a managing director linked to a burgeoning coup plot.
This strategic move comes amid an extensive investigation into the financial resources allegedly earmarked to support the coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
As the situation unfolds, there are growing concerns regarding the potential involvement of various stakeholders in this conspiracy.
Military investigators probing an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu are reportedly grilling a Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South South region, according to The PUNCH.
BREAKING: Fresh Twist As Ex-Governor Sylva Breaks Silence On Alleged Role In Coup Plot, What He Says
Two intelligence officers confirmed that the MD was arrested for allegedly transferring a huge sum of money to a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was fingered as one of the financiers of the alleged plot to forcefully change the government.
According to reports, investigators believe the funds were meant to finance the coup.
“The MD (name withheld) transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is presently answering questions about what the money was meant for.”
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Former Bayelsa governor Sylva’s Abuja house was reportedly raided by investigators on Saturday, with military operatives arresting his younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and went away with his driver.
The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.
Sources with knowledge of the operation explained that he was planning to return to the country when he heard that the coup leaders had been arrested. He thus shelved his plan to return home.
“Sylva’s Abuja home was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t around. His younger brother, Paga, who is the SA, Domestic, and the driver, were arrested. Investigators believe Sylva allegedly funded the coup plot. Sylva was abroad and was preparing to leave for Nigeria when he got wind of the arrest of the coup leaders. So, he stayed back.”
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, could not be reached for comments on Tuesday as they didn’t pick up calls from our reporter.
Gusau had, in a statement on October 4, said that 16 officers were detained for breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement partly read.
However, online platform SaharaReporters claimed that the detained officers — ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General —were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
It also alleged that the officers were arrested at their homes across the country.
Bastard In Aso Rock’ – DSS Arrest Man Pushing For Coup On Social Media
Source: The Punch
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