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Fubara Denies Supporting ADC Candidates Ahead Of Rivers Bye-Election

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Fubara Denies Supporting ADC Candidates Ahead Of Rivers Bye-Election

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly denied reports suggesting that he is backing candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the forthcoming Rivers State House of Assembly bye-election scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The governor described the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately calculated to create political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

Background To The Bye-Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed the bye-election to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, following prolonged vacancies in the affected constituencies.

The elections will hold in:

  • Ahoada East State Constituency II
  • Khana State Constituency II

In preparation, the APC conducted its primary election, which produced Napoleon Ukalikpen and Bulabari Henrietta Loolo as the party’s candidates for the respective constituencies.

Speculation Over Political Allegiances

Following the emergence of the APC candidates, political commentators and analysts began to speculate that Governor Fubara might be politically disadvantaged, as both candidates are widely regarded as allies of the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

This speculation gave rise to claims in some quarters that the governor was considering supporting ADC candidates during the bye-election.

Governor’s Response

Reacting to the reports, Fubara dismissed the allegations in strong terms, describing them as “blatant lies from the pit of hell.”

He accused those behind the claims of attempting to sow discord within the APC in Rivers State for selfish political gains.

“The APC in Rivers State is one family. What happened was that in the build-up to the primaries, the President intervened and asked everyone to support the candidates of the former Governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, so that peace can reign,” Fubara said.

He questioned the logic behind the claims, stressing that all stakeholders involved belong to the same political party.

“If these candidates are members of the APC and we are all members of the same party, how can I be supporting the candidates of another political party? These are blatant lies from the pit of hell,” the governor added.

Assurance Of Loyalty To APC

Governor Fubara assured APC members and supporters in Rivers State of his continued loyalty to the party, pledging to work collectively to ensure victory in the forthcoming bye-election.

He lamented what he described as the persistent efforts by political detractors to manufacture crises where none exist, warning that such tactics could undermine unity and development in the state.

Call For Focus On Development

The governor also called on Rivers residents to remain focused on governance and development issues, urging them not to be distracted by unsubstantiated political claims.

According to him, the priority of his administration remains the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State, irrespective of political alignments.

Court Strikes Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Motion Seeking Transfer From Sokoto Prison

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Court Strikes Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Motion Seeking Transfer From Sokoto Prison

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out an ex-parte application filed by the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

Justice James Omotosho struck out the motion on Monday after it was formally withdrawn by the counsel representing Kanu, citing procedural lapses and the incompetence of the application.

Why The Motion Was Withdrawn

When the matter was called, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN), informed the court that he was seeking leave to withdraw from the case due to what he described as irreconcilable issues with the applicant.

Asan told the court that although he had maintained constant communication with Kanu’s relatives since the last adjourned date, they failed to visit the Legal Aid Council office to depose to the application, despite repeated assurances.

He further disclosed that the applicant sought to dictate the conduct of the case, including attempting to instruct counsel on what to say in open court.

“The applicant wants to dictate the tune of the matter. He wants to control what counsel would say. He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But, as an officer of the court, I cannot in good faith accept that,” Asan said.

Legal Aid Council Takes Position

The lawyer told the court that he had consulted with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, who agreed that legal representation must be conducted in line with professional ethics and the rules of court.

He explained that where an applicant insists on controlling court proceedings, counsel is entitled to withdraw and allow the applicant to seek legal assistance elsewhere.

Relying on Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, Asan formally prayed the court to permit him, and the Legal Aid Council generally, to withdraw from representing the convict.

Court’s Ruling

In a brief ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity and integrity of the court and granted the application to withdraw.

“Having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, I hereby grant leave for the counsel and the Legal Aid Council generally to withdraw from representing the defendant convict,” the judge ruled.

On the substance of the application, Justice Omotosho held that the motion seeking Kanu’s transfer was incompetent.

He noted that although the court had earlier directed that other parties be served in the interest of justice and fairness, there was no proof of service before the court.

“From the last sitting of this court on December 8, 2025, until today, January 27, 2026, there is no proof of service before this court. Consequently, the motion ex-parte is struck out for lacking competence,” the judge said.

Background

Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges and was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after sentencing.

His application sought a change of custodial facility, but the court did not consider the merits of the request, striking it out purely on procedural grounds.

Tinubu Seeks 200 New Judges To Strengthen Court Of Appeal, Federal High Court

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Tinubu Seeks 200 New Judges To Strengthen Court Of Appeal, Federal High Court

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to approve a major expansion of Nigeria’s appellate and trial courts, proposing the appointment of 200 additional judges to the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court.

The move is aimed at boosting judicial capacity, reducing delays in the administration of justice, and strengthening the courts to cope with increasingly complex cases linked to security, economic regulation, and federal governance.

Details Of The Proposal

The request is contained in two separate amendment bills transmitted to the upper chamber and read during plenary on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as lawmakers resumed legislative activities after the Christmas and New Year recess.

Under the proposals:

  • The Court of Appeal Act, 2004, is to be amended to increase the number of justices from 70 to 110
  • The Federal High Court Act, 2004, is to be amended to raise the number of judges from 70 to 90

If approved, the reforms would represent one of the most significant judicial expansions in recent years.

Why The Expansion Is Needed

According to President Tinubu, the proposed increase has become necessary due to the rising workload of the courts and the emergence of specialised and complex areas of litigation.

These include:

  • Terrorism and national security-related cases
  • Taxation and financial crimes
  • Regulatory and commercial disputes
  • Other evolving aspects of federal jurisdiction

The President noted that existing judicial capacity is increasingly overstretched, leading to delays that undermine public confidence in the justice system.

Court Of Appeal Modernisation Pla

Beyond increasing the number of justices, the proposed amendment to the Court of Appeal Act also seeks to modernise court operations.

The bill provides for:

  • Electronic and visual transmission of court proceedings
  • Updated terminologies to reflect contemporary judicial practices
  • Improved efficiency in case management and appellate review

The Presidency said these reforms are designed to align Nigeria’s appellate system with global best practices and improve access to justice.

Federal High Court Pressure Points

On the Federal High Court, President Tinubu explained that the court was originally established with 50 judges, a number increased to 70 in 2009.

However, he said recent developments in governance, security challenges, and economic regulation have significantly expanded the court’s responsibilities.

The proposed increase to 90 judges, the President stated, would:

  • Reduce case backlogs
  • Speed up adjudication
  • Ensure better handling of technically demanding cases
  • Improve overall efficiency in federal judicial processes

Supreme Court Nomination

In a related development, President Tinubu also forwarded the name of Oyewole Joseph to the Senate for confirmation as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The Senate is expected to subject both the bills and the judicial nomination to legislative scrutiny in line with its constitutional mandate.

What Happens Next

The proposed amendments will be referred to relevant Senate committees for consideration, public hearings, and recommendations before final passage.

If approved, the reforms are expected to have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s justice delivery system, particularly in tackling delays and improving judicial efficiency nationwide.

Presidency Assures Nigerians Tinubu Is Hale, Hearty After Minor Stumble In Türkiye

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Presidency Assures Nigerians Tinubu Is Hale, Hearty After Minor Stumble In Türkiye

The Presidency has dismissed concerns over the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians that the President remains hale, hearty, and fully engaged in official duties during his ongoing state visit to Türkiye.

The clarification follows widespread online reactions after a video surfaced showing President Tinubu briefly stumbling while walking on a blue carpet during a welcome reception in Ankara on Tuesday.

Presidency Explains What Happened

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Presidency explained that the incident was not health-related, attributing the brief stumble to a poorly laid carpet at the venue.

According to the statement, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the event without any assistance or disruption.

“The incident had nothing to do with the President’s health. It was caused by an improperly laid carpet, and Mr President immediately recovered and proceeded with his schedule,” the Presidency said.

President Continues Official Engagements

The Presidency further disclosed that President Tinubu has since resumed his official engagements as planned and remains actively involved in diplomatic activities.

He is currently holding bilateral talks with Turkish authorities, discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in areas such as trade, investment, defence, and infrastructure development.

The President is also expected to jointly address a press conference with Turkish officials after the high-level meetings.

Reassurance To Nigerians

Reiterating its position, the Presidency stressed that President Tinubu is in good health and high spirits, urging Nigerians to ignore what it described as unfounded speculations circulating on social media.

The statement noted that the President’s schedule remains uninterrupted, reflecting his physical fitness and continued commitment to national duties.

Context Of The Visit

President Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye forms part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic efforts to deepen strategic partnerships and attract foreign investment, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

The Presidency said the state visit is progressing successfully, with several bilateral outcomes expected to benefit Nigeria’s economy and international standing.

Trump Rejigs Immigration Response As Senior Official Exits Minneapolis After Second Fatal Shooting

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Trump Rejigs Immigration Response As Senior Official Exits Minneapolis After Second Fatal Shooting

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has moved to recalibrate its immigration enforcement response in Minneapolis, following the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by federal immigration officers, a development that has sparked nationwide outrage, protests, and bipartisan calls for accountability.

A senior immigration official, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, is expected to leave Minneapolis alongside several federal agents, signalling what observers in Washington describe as a possible shift in tone by the White House amid mounting pressure.

Leadership Change After Fatal Shooting

Bovino, who has been the public face of the federal immigration crackdown in the city, is being replaced on the ground by Tom Homan, President Trump’s border enforcement chief and a long-time advocate of strict immigration policies.

The leadership change follows the killing of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot dead on Saturday during a confrontation with federal immigration officers along with reports that he had been filming the agents at the time.

The incident marked the second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal immigration officers in January, further escalating tensions in the Democratic-controlled city.

Pressure Mounts On Trump Administration

The move is being widely interpreted as an attempt by the Trump administration to step back from its most aggressive posture, even as immigration raids continue, according to online tracking data.

Criticism has intensified from Democrats, civil rights groups, and senior Republicans, many of whom are demanding an independent investigation into Pretti’s death.

President Trump, who initially defended the operation, has in recent days softened his rhetoric. He has held phone conversations with Democratic state and city leaders, describing the talks as “constructive,” a notable shift from his earlier confrontational tone.

The president has also avoided repeating claims by aides that appeared to place responsibility for the shooting on the victim.

Conflicting Accounts Of Shooting

Federal authorities insist officers acted in self-defence.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Pretti was armed and resisted attempts to disarm him.

“The agents fired in self-defence after Pretti, who was armed with a handgun, resisted attempts to disarm him,” DHS said.

However, the account has been strongly disputed by eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti’s family, who maintain he was holding a mobile phone, not a weapon.

Pretti’s parents accused the administration of spreading what they described as “sickening lies” about their son’s death.

Independent video analysis reportedly found no visible firearm in Pretti’s hands at the time of the shooting.

Protests, Political Fallout Grow

The shooting has triggered widespread protests across Minneapolis and neighbouring St Paul, with residents reporting fear, business disruptions, and restricted movement due to the heavy federal presence.

An estimated 3,000 federal immigration agents are currently deployed in the city.

On Monday, Chris Madel, a Republican defence lawyer and gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, withdrew from the race, describing the federal operation as “an unmitigated disaster.”

Madel previously represented the agent involved in the killing of Renee Good, the first Minneapolis resident shot dead by federal immigration officers earlier this month.

White House Responds

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump wants the “resistance and chaos” in Minneapolis to end.

Trump confirmed he spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats who have openly opposed the federal operation.

Governor Walz said the president agreed to review the scale of the federal deployment and consider allowing the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct an independent investigation.

Mayor Frey is expected to meet Tom Homan to discuss next steps.

Bipartisan Calls For Accountability

Several senior Republicans have expressed concern over the unfolding crisis.

US Senator Ted Cruz urged restraint, while Senator Lindsey Graham described the deployment of Homan as “a smart move.”

Utah Senator John Curtis joined calls for transparency, insisting that anyone responsible must be held accountable regardless of rank.

Meanwhile, memorials and demonstrations have continued across Minneapolis, with protesters demanding justice and the immediate withdrawal of federal immigration agents.

The Minneapolis crackdown began in December following convictions involving welfare fraud by some Somali immigrants. Minnesota hosts the largest Somali immigrant population in the United States, a factor that has further heightened tensions.

Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi Loses Father In Road Accident

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Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi Loses Father In Road Accident

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has been thrown into mourning following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who reportedly died in a road accident on Tuesday in Delta State.

The late Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was said to have been involved in a traffic accident in Umunede, located in the Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

He was reportedly rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where medical personnel later confirmed his death.

Club Confirms Tragic Loss

Ndidi’s Turkish club, Beşiktaş, confirmed the tragic development in a statement released on Tuesday via its official social media channels.

Although details of the accident were not disclosed, the club expressed condolences to the Super Eagles midfielder and his family.

“We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of Wilfred Ndidi’s father. We extend our heartfelt condolences to him, his family, and loved ones,” the club said.

Loss Comes After AFCON Success

The heartbreaking incident comes just days after Ndidi led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he served as captain of the Super Eagles.

During the tournament, the defensive midfielder also scored his first-ever international goal for Nigeria, a moment that had been widely celebrated by fans and football analysts.

Ndidi’s leadership and performances were praised throughout the competition, making the sudden loss a painful contrast to what had been a high point in his international career.

Condolences Pour In

Following the announcement, messages of sympathy and support have continued to pour in from football fans, teammates, former players, and Nigerian sports stakeholders, many of whom described the loss as devastating.

Road accidents remain a major public safety concern in Nigeria, particularly on inter-state and semi-urban roads, with poor road conditions and speeding often cited as contributing factors.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ndidi family has yet to release an official statement.

ADBN TV extends its condolences to Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Ex-Gantry Price To N799 Per Litre After Festive Support Ends

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Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Ex-Gantry Price To N799 Per Litre After Festive Support Ends

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-gantry price of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to N799 per litre, following the end of its festive price support programme.

The adjustment represents a N100 increase from the previous ex-gantry price of N699 per litre, which took effect on December 12, 2025, during the Christmas and New Year festive period.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the refinery explained that the price increase was part of a post-festive market realignment aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, stability, and affordability within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

New Pump Price At Partner Stations

Under the new pricing structure, MRS retail outlets, a major distribution partner of the refinery, will now sell petrol at N839 per litre, up from the previous pump price of N739 per litre.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability,” the refinery stated.

It added:
“Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

Festive Intervention To Cushion Nigerians

According to the refinery, the earlier price reduction was a deliberate and temporary intervention introduced to cushion Nigerians during a period of heightened household spending.

“During the recent festive period, the Refinery implemented a deliberate and temporary price support intervention to cushion Nigerians at a time of increased household expenditure,” the statement said.

The company noted that this marked the second consecutive festive season in which it absorbed significant costs in the national interest.

“This was the second consecutive festive season in which the Refinery absorbed significant costs, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025, to promote affordability and market calm,” it added.

Concerns Over Price Transmission To Consumers

Despite the intervention, the refinery expressed concern that many fuel marketers failed to reflect the reduced prices at the pump, denying consumers the full benefit of the price slash.

“Despite the price reduction, many filling stations failed to reflect the new price at the pump, thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the slash,” the refinery said.

This concern has remained a recurring issue in Nigeria’s downstream sector, where price adjustments at the depot or refinery level do not always translate into corresponding pump price reductions for consumers.

Role In Market Stability And Energy Security

Reaffirming its role as a key player in Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it continues to protect the local market from external shocks linked to fuel imports.

“As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import-related volatility and external supply disruptions, while remaining a stabilising force in the downstream petroleum sector,” the statement noted.

The refinery also reiterated its commitment to energy security, price stability, uninterrupted nationwide supply, and long-term value for Nigerians, particularly as the country navigates the post-subsidy fuel pricing regime.

National Grid Collapses Again As Power Supply Drops To Zero Nationwide

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National Grid Collapses Again As Power Supply Drops To Zero Nationwide

Nigeria’s national electricity grid has suffered another system collapse, plunging large parts of the country into darkness and cutting off power supply to all electricity distribution companies.

Data obtained as of the time of filing this report showed that electricity generation on the national grid dropped to zero megawatts, with no power allocated to any of the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country.

The latest incident, which occurred on Tuesday, marks the second grid collapse in 2026, coming just days after the first collapse recorded last Friday. It also follows a similar nationwide outage on December 29, 2025, raising fresh concerns over the stability and reliability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Generation Crashes From 4,500MW To Zero

Available generation data indicated that electricity output crashed sharply from over 4,500 megawatts to 0 megawatts by about 11:00am, effectively shutting down supply to homes, businesses, and critical services nationwide.

Checks further revealed that all 23 power generation plants connected to the national grid reportedly lost output during the incident, resulting in zero load allocation to each of the country’s electricity distribution companies.

The development triggered widespread outages across several states, with many electricity consumers reporting sudden blackouts without prior notice.

Recurring Grid Failures Raise Concerns

Nigeria has continued to grapple with repeated grid collapses, which industry experts have linked to a mix of technical faults, poor maintenance of transmission infrastructure, and fluctuations in generation capacity.

The recurring failures have also intensified concerns over the ability of the power sector to meet growing electricity demand, especially as businesses increasingly rely on alternative energy sources due to unstable grid supply.

TCN Yet To Issue Detailed Explanation

As of the time of filing this report, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had yet to issue a detailed statement explaining the cause of the latest collapse or providing a timeline for full restoration of power.

In previous incidents, the grid has often been restored after several hours, though partial supply usually returns in phases depending on system stability and technical conditions.

Impact On Consumer

The collapse is expected to further strain households and businesses already facing high energy costs, particularly those dependent on generators amid rising fuel prices.

Power sector stakeholders have repeatedly called for urgent investment in transmission infrastructure and system upgrades to reduce the frequency of nationwide outages.

BREAKING: Court Orders FCT Workers To Suspend Strike

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BREAKING: Court Orders FCT Workers To Suspend Strike

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), sitting in Abuja, has ordered workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to immediately suspend their ongoing strike action.

The court granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration, directing workers operating under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to halt all industrial action pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The ruling followed a suit instituted by the FCT authorities against the leadership of the Joint Union Action Committee, including its Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh.

The case, filed as Suit No: NICN/ABJ/17/2026, sought an order restraining the defendants, their agents, and affiliates from embarking on or continuing any form of strike, picketing, or lockout capable of disrupting activities within the Federal Capital Territory.

Court: Right To Strike Not Absolute

Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the dispute qualified as a trade dispute and had met the necessary legal thresholds, the right of workers to embark on industrial action is not absolute under Nigerian law.

The judge ruled that once a labour dispute has been formally referred to the National Industrial Court, workers are legally barred from embarking on or continuing a strike action.

According to him, where such a strike is already ongoing, it must be suspended immediately pending the court’s final determination of the matter.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant,” Justice Subilim ruled.

“The order shall remain in force pending the determination of this suit.”

Background To The Dispute

The legal action followed the decision by FCT workers, under the Joint Union Action Committee, to embark on a strike over unresolved labour-related issues with the FCT Administration.

The FCT Minister and the administration subsequently approached the court, arguing that the strike action was unlawful given that the dispute had already been referred to the National Industrial Court for resolution.

They contended that allowing the industrial action to continue would disrupt essential services and governance activities within the nation’s capital.

Next Hearing Fixed

Following the ruling, the National Industrial Court adjourned the matter to March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.

The court’s decision effectively compels all affected workers to return to work while legal proceedings continue.

Frank Tietie: Military Lacks Jurisdiction To Try Treason Under Armed Forces Act

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Frank Tietie: Military Lacks Jurisdiction To Try Treason Under Armed Forces Act

Human rights and development lawyer Frank Tietie has cautioned that the Nigerian military does not have the legal authority to try serving officers for treason or alleged coup plotting under the Armed Forces Act, insisting that such offences fall strictly within the jurisdiction of civilian courts.

Tietie issued the warning while reacting to recent confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that investigations had been concluded into allegations that some military officers were involved in a plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with plans announced to arraign the affected officers before a military judicial panel.

According to the legal practitioner, while allegations of an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government are extremely grave, Nigeria’s existing legal framework does not permit the military to prosecute treason through court-martial proceedings.

“This question is very important because when you say coup, we automatically raise the elements of Section 37 of the Criminal Code. This is about trying to overthrow the government of Nigeria by force,” Tietie said.

“But when you keep mentioning the Armed Forces Act, the armed forces in Nigeria do not have the power to accuse any service officer of treason.”

He explained that although the military may lawfully investigate internal misconduct and possibly raise allegations of mutiny, it lacks the jurisdiction to try treason or attempted coup.

“Yes, they may be able to raise allegations of mutiny, but they cannot try treason. That is why there is something technical about the report submitted to the president, because the Armed Forces Act does not grant jurisdiction to the military to try any officer for an attempted coup,” he said.

Coup Allegations Must Go To Civilian Courts

Tietie stressed that in a constitutional democracy, any allegation of an attempted coup must be subjected to full judicial scrutiny within the civilian court system.

“If you are truly alleging a coup in a democracy, it cannot end in a court martial. It must go to the Federal High Court and pass through the full appellate process of our judicial system,” he said.

He warned against the casual or sensational use of the word “coup,” noting Nigeria’s traumatic history with military takeovers.

“We should be careful with the use of the term ‘coup’ because it sends shockwaves through the polity. This is a democracy, not the era of the Armed Forces Ruling Council or the Supreme Military Council, where a court martial decided everything.”

Commends Early Intelligence, Urges Due Process

Despite his legal concerns, the lawyer commended Nigeria’s intelligence and security agencies for uncovering the alleged plot before it escalated.

“First, I am very happy with whichever intelligence agency uncovered the attempted coup before it actually matured,” he said.

“What matters is that intelligence was gathered, analysed, and investigated over three months before the report was submitted to the president in his capacity as commander-in-chief.”

Tietie described the development as a positive signal for Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as “hard-fought and hard-won.”

“It may be wobbling, it may be difficult, but it does not have an alternative,” he added.

Report Not Final, AGF’s Advice Critical

The human rights lawyer noted that reports suggesting about 16 officers, ranging from the rank of captain to brigadier-general, were implicated should not be treated as conclusive.

“This report is not conclusive yet. It will be subjected to further review, including legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation, to determine whether the facts disclosed amount to an attempted coup, a treasonable felony, or something else,” he said.

He emphasised that legal characterisation of the allegations remains crucial before any trial process begins.

Warning Against Death Penalty, Historical Lessons

Tietie also raised concerns over Nigeria’s retention of the death penalty for treason, describing it as outdated and counterproductive.

“The death penalty is old-school. It is barbaric. It does not solve the problem; it traumatises the entire polity,” he said.

“I lived through the days of the firing squad, and it only served to increase crime and cheapen human life.”

He argued that modern democratic societies prioritise reform and preservation of life over capital punishment.

Rights Of Detained Officers Must Be Respected

Addressing reports about the detention of the officers involved, Tietie reminded authorities that constitutional safeguards still apply.

“These are Nigerian officers, Nigerian citizens, and these are only allegations. They are presumed innocent,” he said.

“You cannot keep people in detention indefinitely. If there is a case, charge them to court immediately.”

No Justification For Overthrowing Democracy

While defending due process and civil liberties, Tietie drew a firm line against any attempt to undermine democratic governance.

“No matter how bad things are, we must never condone any attempt to remove a democratically elected president,” he said.

“Democracy may stumble and rumble, but it has no alternative.”

Military To Try Officers Over Alleged Plot To Overthrow Government

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Military To Try Officers Over Alleged Plot To Overthrow Government

The Nigerian Armed Forces has confirmed that some officers will be formally arraigned before a military judicial panel over allegations of plotting to overthrow the Federal Government.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the decision follows the conclusion of investigations and is being carried out in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters had earlier announced in October 2025 the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. It said investigations into the matter have now been concluded, with the findings forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in accordance with extant military procedures.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel,” the statement said.

It added that the findings identified some of the officers as facing allegations related to plotting to overthrow the government, describing such conduct as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” the statement noted.

The Armed Forces emphasised that the measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of internal institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” it added.

Background To Officers’ Arrest

The military action follows the arrest of 16 officers in October 2025 during what the Armed Forces described as a routine military exercise addressing indiscipline and service violations.

At the time, preliminary investigations revealed that the actions of the affected officers were allegedly linked to frustrations arising from repeated failures in promotion examinations and concerns over stalled career progression.

The Directorate of Defence Information had said some of the officers were already under investigation for various offences and were either facing trial or awaiting court proceedings.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” the military said.

Speculation Over Coup Plot, Parade Cancellation

The planned military trials come amid months of public speculation over an alleged attempt to overthrow the Federal Government, which some reports had linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier dismissed claims that the arrested officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were detained over covert meetings to plan a coup.

It explained that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral engagement outside the country and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism, anti-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.

“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the military said.

It reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and to the Federal Government under the leadership of the President as Commander-in-Chief.

Alleged Raid On Ex-Governor’s Residence

In the same month, reports emerged that soldiers stormed the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over an alleged link to the coup plot.

Security sources had claimed that the operation was carried out by a special military team following intelligence reports linking the former governor to alleged secret meetings with some of the detained officers.

The operation was also said to have extended to Bayelsa State, where Sylva’s brother was reportedly arrested. The former governor has not been officially charged in connection with the matter.

Opposition Demands Clarity

Meanwhile, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) called on the Federal Government to clarify what it described as conflicting narratives surrounding the alleged coup plot.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over what it said were mixed signals from government and military authorities.

“The ADC is particularly concerned that the federal government has not deemed it fit to make a categorical statement on this very serious matter,” the party said.

The ADC warned that continued silence could deepen public anxiety and fuel speculation over the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.

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