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Kano files fresh charge against Ganduje over ‘N240m fraud’

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In what could be described as a titanic battle in the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), there are silent moves by 10 APC g

The Kano government has filed a fresh charge against Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state.

Ganduje was charged on four counts alongside Musa Lawan, former attorney-general of the state.

The offences border on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and misappropriation, contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code (as amended) CAP 105, Vol. 2, the Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.

The duo were alleged to have misappropriated, diverted and converted the sum of N240 million belonging to the state.

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In the charge sheet, the state government said it intends to present four witnesses.

No date has been fixed for the arraignment.

In April, the Kano government filed an eight-count charge bordering on bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds against Ganduje; Hafsat, his wife; Umar Abdullahi Umar, his son; and five others.

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Other defendants in the case are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

On July 11, the defendants were arraigned in absentia and the court entered a plea of not guilty on their behalf.

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BACKGROUND

In 2018, the Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his ‘babanriga’, a traditional outfit.

The APC national chairman was the governor of Kano from 2015 to 2023.

The newspaper said Ganduje requested $5 million as kickback from the contractors who recorded the video.

In 2023, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning over the video.

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The former governor did not honour the invitation and instead instituted a suit against the agency.

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In March, a federal high court in Kano stopped the agency from inviting or questioning Ganduje over the bribery allegation.

The court ruled that the agency lacks the power to invite or investigate Ganduje.

Abdullahi Liman, the presiding judge, said the alleged infraction is a federal offence that cannot be prosecuted by the state anti-graft agency.

Source: The Punch

 

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Trump Threatens To Launch Attacks In Nigeria, Reasons Emerge

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Trump threatens to launch attacks in Nigeria over ‘killing of Christians’

US President Donald Trump has threatened to carry out attacks in Nigeria in response to purported anti-Christian violence, saying he instructed the recently renamed Department of War to “prepare for possible action”.

In a social media post on Saturday, Trump said the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to the African country “if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians”.

The US “may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities”, Trump added, without specifying which groups or alleged “atrocities” he was referring to.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” he wrote.

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The Nigerian government did not immediately respond to Trump’s threat.

The social media post comes a day after the US president announced that Nigeria would be added to the Department of State’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern”, which is set up to monitor religious persecution around the world.

In recent months, right-wing lawmakers and other prominent figures in the US have claimed that violent disputes in Nigeria are part of a campaign of “Christian genocide”.

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While human rights groups have urged the Nigerian government to do more to address unrest in the country, which has experienced deadly attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups, experts say that claims of a “Christian genocide” are false and simplistic.

Ebenezer Obadare, a senior fellow for Africa Studies at the Washinton, DC-based Council on Foreign Relations, said that Trump was right in identifying a lacking response from the Nigerian government towards Boko Haram.

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Obadare said that those facing persecution in Nigeria included “not just of Christians…but Muslims, non-Christians, agnostics, everybody in between”. He added that the Trump administration should work with Nigerian authorities to address the “common enemy”.

“This is precisely the moment when Nigeria needs assistance, especially military assistance,” Obadare said. “The wrong thing to do is to invade Nigeria and override the authorities or the authority of the Nigerian government. Doing that will be counterproductive.”

A few hours before Trump’s threat, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu released a statement stressing that his government “continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions”.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said on Saturday.

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“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths,” the statement continued.

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“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed his country’s commitment to protecting all of its citizens.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” Ebienfa wrote in a statement on Saturday.

“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength.”

 

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Alleged Coup Plot: Tension Grips Ex-Governor’s Associates; Over 30 People To Face Trial

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As the Nigerian Army intensifies its crackdown, authorities find themselves on high alert, mobilizing their resources in a determined effort to track down and apprehend those believed to be behind this audacious plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The atmosphere is charged with tension, as whispers of betrayal and conspiracy ripple through the community, leaving many on edge about what the future holds.

Military investigation into the alleged coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion disbursed from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to some politically exposed persons and the soldiers detained in connection with the rumoured conspiracy to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

However, the military, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report linking the detention of the 16 military officers to a failed coup.

Multiple reports on Tuesday stated that some Nigerian Army personnel raided the Abuja residence of ex-governor Timipre Sylva, also a former Minister of State for Petroleum, in connection with the alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

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Sequel to the discovery, the Defence Intelligence Agency investigators grilled some top NDDC officials about the sources of the fund, beneficiaries and how it was utilised.

The development has set off panic alarms at the NDDC headquarters over alleged links to the financing of subversive activities.

The Federal Government had also denied the coup plot against Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters described reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious” and stated that 16 military officers in custody are being investigated for professional misconduct, not a coup plot.

While details of the interrogation of the NDDC officials remain unclear, investigators are said to be scrutinising a series of high-value transactions carried out in recent months allegedly linked to politically-exposed persons.

They include a shoreline project awarded to a former governor in the South-South to the tune of N45bn, some of which allegedly found its way to the account of some of the detained officers.

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Security sources with knowledge of the ongoing probe confirmed that the interrogation of the NDDC top shots was “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”

Sources in the NDDC disclosed to The PUNCH that many top officials are apprehensive that the development may trigger a broader probe into the commission’s financial dealings.

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They affirmed that the invitation of the top NDDC executives had triggered widespread anxiety among senior officials.

According to one insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Since the news broke about the interrogation of the top shots, the atmosphere here has been uneasy. Many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications.”

Some executive directors who maintain close administrative ties with the embattled NDDC top shots are said to be worried about the development.

The development has sparked intense speculation within the commission, with staff expressing concern that the investigation could widen and implicate other senior officials.

The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined comments when asked about the quizzing of the commission’s officials.

Meanwhile, Sylva has denied alleged involvement in the coup plot.

His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, said the rumour in some quarters is the handiwork of ‘’desperate and self-seeking politicians trying to actualise their ambitions in 2027.’’

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Bokoru explained that no reason was provided for the raid. He further clarified that the former governor’s Yenagoa residence was not raided by the operatives.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend “a professional conference.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

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“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

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“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot.

Meanwhile, investigations have progressed into the alleged attempted coup by some Nigerian soldiers arrested in September, with more than 30 suspects now set to face trial, according to PREMIUM TIMES.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the suspects, including senior military officers, are expected to be tried in both civil courts and military court martials.

The officers allegedly planned a violent takeover in which top government officials were marked for assassination.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that a special panel was investigating individuals implicated in the failed attempt. The panel has now prepared a preliminary report that will be submitted to President Bola Tinubu, according to a source.

The report indicates that more than 30 suspects may face trial, while about seven others remain at large. Those found not to have a case to answer are expected to be released.

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“The seven people could not be found in their homes, and their telephone numbers have been dead since this matter started,” one source said. “So they are still on a manhunt.”

It is unclear whether Timipre Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and petroleum minister, is among the seven people at large. Mr Sylva recently confirmed that his home was raided by soldiers but denied any involvement in a coup plot.

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“During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently,” Mr Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, said.

Mr Bokoru also confirmed that Mr Sylva was not in the country during the raid and did not disclose when he plans to return to Nigeria.

Next Step by Investigators
The Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel, Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major general who is also the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), is expected to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs in the coming days to determine next steps.

“The president will also be briefed,” another source confirmed.

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Military officers among the suspects will first face court martials before possible civil proceedings, while civilians implicated in the alleged plot will be tried in civil courts, our sources said.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier published the identities of 16 top military officers allegedly involved in the failed attempt. The officers were arrested in late September after intelligence reports indicated they were holding secret meetings and planning to overthrow the government. Fourteen of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while two are from the Navy and Air Force.

The identities of the newly arrested suspects remain unclear.

Although the Defence Headquarters had released an ambiguous statement on the alleged coup attempt, sources said military authorities now appear ready to make categorical statements about the coup and those arrested.

“In the days to come, the Defence Headquarters is likely to issue a statement telling Nigerians about the findings from the investigation so far,” one source said.

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Tension In Kaduna As Bandits Brutally Kill Powerful Pastor, Kidnap Church Members

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Tension In Kaduna As Bandits Brutally Kill Powerful Pastor, Kidnap Church Members

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN/HEKAN) has raised the alarm over the killing of Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya and the abduction of more than 20 persons during a violent attack in Farin Dutse, Kauru Local Government Area.

Kaduna attack sparks panic in community

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 28 October, when heavily armed bandits stormed the community, firing sporadically and sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes. Several villagers, including worshippers at the HEKAN Church, were abducted.

Kaduna: Church condemns attack as callous and inhumane

In his statement, the President of HEKAN Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri described the attack as “callous, inhumane, and wicked” expressing his profound sadness at the attack on the clergy and the Christian communities in the area.

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“With a very heavy heart, on behalf of the HEKAN Headquarters, we are compelled to inform the world of the tragic event that happened in Farin Dutse, Kauru LGA, where our pastor and other individuals in the area were attacked by bandits,” Dr. Kiri declared.

Pastor killed after leaving hiding place

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Citing a field report from Rev. Dauda Gambo, Chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, Dr. Kiri explained that Reverend Kambasiya and others initially hid in a farm, Punch reported.

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Believing the attackers had left, the pastor emerged, only to be shot in the back and killed instantly.

“The bullet pierced through his chest, and he died instantly. His remains have been deposited in a morgue, and we are consulting with his family on burial arrangements,” the statement said.

Aattacks on HEKAN communities

Dr. Kiri remembered previous attacks, saying some of the previous attacks included the abduction of approximately 50 individuals, including the HEKAN pastor Francis Lawal, who passed away in captivity. This happened on the 4th of December 2024.

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On 19 October 2025, four members of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were kidnapped and are still in captivity.

“The attacks our members have been undergoing in Kauru are worrying. We urge the concerned authorities to go after the bandits and rescue the kidnapped. The families of the victims are going through a lot in trying to come to terms with the trauma,” he said.

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Two Suspected Coup Plotters From Northern States On The Run As Military Makes Fresh Arrests

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Two Suspected Coup Plotters From Northern States On The Run As Military Makes Fresh Arrests

Two military officers are on the run after they were named among those who allegedly plotted a coup to terminate Nigeria’s democracy, as reported by TheCable.

The military authorities have continued to make arrests after preliminary interrogating 16 of the suspects who were seized in the first week of October over the botched plot.

According to TheCable, 18 officers were to be arrested, but two fled and are now believed to be out of the country.

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JM Ganaks, a major with service no N/14363, who hails from the federal capital territory, is at large, military sources informed TheCable.

He was a member of the regular close 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and his station is listed as Jaji, Kaduna state.

Also on the run is G Binuga, a captain with service no N/167722.

His station is listed as DHQ SOF Bida, Niger state, and he was a member of the regular course 64.

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Binuga is from Taraba state.

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MORE ARRESTS…

TheCable understands that some of the arrested suspects have made “useful statements” to the authorities.

The information extracted has helped secure more arrests, with a source estimating that over 30 officers are now in custody.

Some of the arrested officers are keeping mum, but many are said to be “very cooperative”.

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Contrary to widespread reports, the coup was not to be executed on October 1, as arrests were only made in the first week of the month.

Military authorities have yet to officially confirm the coup plot.

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Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.

 

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BREAKING: Fresh Tension As Another Minister Allegedly Faces Document Forgery Scandal

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Reactions as activist lists four alleged ghost Ministers in Tinubu’s govt

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, leave to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of election results.

According to Naija News, Justice M.G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2025, on an ex parte motion filed by Ogah, held that the lawmaker had provided sufficient material evidence in his affidavit to justify the court’s decision.

Onyejeocha, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dragged Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, claiming victory at the 2023 general elections.

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However, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha tendered forged results at the tribunal to back her claims, a case she eventually lost.

In April, Onyejeocha, through a media aide, dismissed the allegations as false, insisting they had been settled. “All the allegations in the petition are false. They are not only false, but they have been trashed out long ago,” she said.

Ogah, however, proceeded to the Federal High Court, urging it to grant him leave to seek an Order of Mandamus compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for forgery.

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He alleged that after he was declared the winner by INEC, “Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha forged the results in respect of the polling units listed, whose results were tendered during the trial of the petition at the Election Tribunal to prove the allegations contained in the petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha forged Exhibit 3 and passed them off as the official election results and documents of the respondent, and the respondent vehemently disputed the authenticity of Exhibit 3 during the trial of the Election Petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha even attempted to deceive the judiciary by presenting the forged documents, i.e. Exhibit 3, to the Election Tribunal and Court of Appeal as documents that were issued by the respondent.”

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In his ruling, Justice Umar held that the application had merit, stressing that the court must exercise its discretion “judicially and judiciously.”

He ruled, “I have considered Order 34 Rules 1, 3, and 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, upon which this application is based, and I am of the view that it is trite that in an application of this nature where the Court is required to exercise discretion, it must be so considered judicially and judiciously.

“Consequently, I am satisfied that the applicant (Ogah) has placed relevant materials in the affidavit in support of this application, and this Court is thereby persuaded to exercise discretion in favour of the applicant.

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“An order is hereby made granting leave to the applicant to apply for an Order of Mandamus against the respondent, compelling the respondent (INEC) to investigate and prosecute Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha for the electoral offence of forging the election results of the polling units within the Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reacted to the allegations of forgery of electoral results in the 2023 general election in Isikwuato/Umunneochi, saying there is no cause for alarm, as reported by The PUNCH.

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Fresh Tension As Military Uncovered Trail Of N45 billion From Banks Of Govt’s Agency

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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.

A chilling wave of unease sweeps through the streets of Abuja and beyond, igniting an air of tension as the Nigerian Army intensifies its crackdown following a thwarted coup attempt.

Authorities are now on high alert, engaging in a concerted effort to apprehend those suspected of orchestrating this bold plot against the state.

Military investigation into the alleged coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion disbursed from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to some politically exposed persons and the soldiers detained in connection with the rumoured conspiracy to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

However, the military, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report linking the detention of the16 military officers to a failed coup.

Multiple reports on Tuesday stated that some Nigerian Army personnel raided the Abuja residence of ex-governor Timipre Sylva, also a former Minister of State for Petroleum, in connection with the alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

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Sequel to the discovery, the Defence Intelligence Agency investigators grilled some top NDDC officials about the sources of the fund, beneficiaries and how it was utilised.

The development has set off panic alarms at the NDDC headquarters over alleged links to the financing of subversive activities.

The Federal Government had also denied the coup plot against Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters described reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious” and stated that 16 military officers in custody are being investigated for professional misconduct, not a coup plot.

While details of the interrogation of the NDDC officials remain unclear, investigators are said to be scrutinising a series of high-value transactions carried out in recent months allegedly linked to politically-exposed persons.

They include a shoreline project awarded to a former governor in the South-South to the tune of N45bn, some of which allegedly found its way to the account of some of the detained officers.

Security sources with knowledge of the ongoing probe confirmed that the interrogation of the NDDC top shots was “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”

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Sources in the NDDC disclosed to The PUNCH that many top officials are apprehensive that the development may trigger a broader probe into the commission’s financial dealings.

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They affirmed that the invitation of the top NDDC executives had triggered widespread anxiety among senior officials.

According to one insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Since the news broke about the interrogation of the top shots, the atmosphere here has been uneasy. Many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications.”

Some executive directors who maintain close administrative ties with the embattled NDDC top shots are said to be worried about the development.

The development has sparked intense speculation within the commission, with staff expressing concern that the investigation could widen and implicate other senior officials.

The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined comments when asked about the quizzing of the commission’s officials.

Meanwhile, Sylva has denied alleged involvement in the coup plot.

His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, said the rumour in some quarters is the handiwork of ‘’desperate and self-seeking politicians trying to actualise their ambitions in 2027.’’

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On Wednesday, The PUNCH reported how Sylva’s Abuja home was raided by Defence Intelligence Agency operatives probing the controversial plot to forcefully change the government.

During the raid, which took place on Saturday, the operatives arrested Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and also took his driver into custody.

The former Bayelsa governor and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.

The media aide disclosed that the operatives did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence during the operation, noting that the two men that were arrested have yet to be released from custody.

Bokoru explained that no reason was provided for the raid. He further clarified that the former governor’s Yenagoa residence was not raided by the operatives.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend “a professional conference.”

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He said, “It’s not true. It is the handiwork of people in the state APC who are concerned about their governorship ambition in 2027,” he stated.

“Those doing this are in the state APC. It is about the 2027 governorship ambition. They are appointees of the Federal Government and instead of focusing on their work, they are playing local toxic politics.

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‘’Such wicked politicians took their desperation to a nauseating level following Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility that had continued to expose their self-serving ambitions and evil agenda.”

Bokoru also said Sylva’s driver, as well as his younger brother, Paga, who were whisked away by the operatives on Saturday, were yet to be released from custody.

He disclosed that the operatives of the Defence Headquarters did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence when they raided it last Saturday.

However, a close associate of Sylva told The PUNCH that several parts of the house were damaged following Saturday’s raid.

He said, “Expensive doors were destroyed while a number of other household appliances were ransacked and scattered during the raid but nothing incriminating was found.”

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He dismissed allegations linking the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to Sylva as part of the coup plot.

Ogbuku was the Chief of Staff to Sylva while he was Bayelsa governor.

When contacted, Ogbuku denied he was arrested. In a short message to The Punch correspondent, he said, “I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media.”

Earlier, in a statement on Wednesday, titled, ‘Setting the record straight on recent false reports about Sylva,’ Bokoru denied Sylva’s reported involvement in the alleged coup plot.

He insisted that his principal was not involved in the planning or logistics of any coup.

The statement read, “In the past 48 hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has “fled” the country in connection with certain purported matters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

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“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

READ ALSO  Alleged Coup Plot: Tension Grips Ex-Governor's Associates; Over 30 People To Face Trial

“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot.

“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.’’

The statement further added, “His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

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“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle—a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions.”

‘Detained military officers now 42’

Sources at the Defence Headquarters, who spoke anonymously to Daily Trust, revealed that more officers had been detained in connection to the alleged coup attempt, bringing the number of the detainees to 42,

“So far, 42 officers have been picked up. They are being interrogated to establish the depth of involvement and whether there was any concrete plan beyond mere discussions,” one of the sources said.

Another source stated that the number could rise as the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the military police continued to trace communication links and funding trails.

Source: The Punch and Daily Trust

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