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Fmr Abacha CSO, Al Mustapha Tackles Northern Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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Major Hamza Al- Mustapha
Major Hamza Al- Mustapha.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Former Chief Security Officer, ( CSO) to late Head of State General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (Rtd), has criticized Northern Governors for shunning the third late General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference in Kaduna held on Saturday.

 

The former CSO attacked the governors saying they lack deep thinking, sacrifice, and clear strategy for the region.

 

Speaking at the 3rd Late General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference  Al-Mustapha said northern region is hopeless, accusing leaders of abandoning founding fathers.

 

“Every child in streets to elites knows State of Nigeria is in sorry state. State of North is totally hopeless. Speaking truth is meant for patriots. People who praise-sing leaders in power are deceits,” he said.

 

He told his audience that he may be arrested for speaking truth about Nigeria’s sorry state.

 

He slammed Northern governors for shunning lecture: “From theme — From Sacrifice To Strategy — this alone ought to make all governors in North be here as early as 8am.

 

“They don’t have thinking, they don’t have sacrifice, they don’t understand, they also have no strategy.

 

“The system is rotten. They don’t care about their future. Those in leadership positions don’t even understand what leadership is all about,” he added.

 

“I wish I may be arrested here because I’ll speak truth,” Al-Mustapha declared.

Two Students Expelled By Kogi Varsity Over Unconventional Se*ual Behaviour

By
Ayodele Oni
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Confluence University of Science and Technology

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Management of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, has expelled two students over alleged involvement in unconventional se*ual practice.

 

The University also rusticated four other students for one academic session over a campus fight.

 

A statement issued by the university’s Information and Protocol Unit, said the sanctions were ratified during the 31st Regular Meeting of the University Senate, following recommendations from the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.

 

The affected students were notified in letters signed by the Deputy Registrar, Academics, Eli Gbadafu, copies of which were made available to the Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the university.

 

“The institution stated that the disciplinary actions were taken in accordance with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook, Second Edition, as amended in 2025,” the statement read.

 

Four other students were rusticated for one academic session over fighting.

 

They are: Favor Akowe of the Microbiology Department, Simbiat Babamuharuna of the Biology Department, Zainab Omayoza of the Biochemistry Department and Sukura Bukola, also of the Biochemistry Department.

 

“The University Management reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, order and a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

 

“Management warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive disciplinary action against any student found guilty of violating the rules and regulations of the University.

 

“Students are, therefore, advised to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook and conduct themselves in accordance with the established rules and regulations of the University,” the statement added

Ekiti To Investigate Students Imprisonment, Fine For Breaching Environmental Sanitation Law

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

 

Following allegations of maltreatment and extortion against some Ekiti State Government officials by the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), the state Government has promised to look into issues raised.

 

The incident happened on Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state when some students of tbe Federal University, Oye, (( FUOYE) were traveling in a chartered bus.

 

According to NANS statement, “the students were travelling in an 18-passenger bus when they were intercepted and arrested by environmental health officials.

 

“The students allege that they were subsequently taken before what they understood to be a magistrate court sitting within the Federal High Court premises in Ado-Ekiti, where they were informed that each student must pay a fine of ₦5,000 or face one month imprisonment.

 

“The students further allege that after explaining that they could not afford the payment, they were threatened with immediate imprisonment and compelled to make payments of ₦5,000 each into an Opay account reportedly provided by one of the officials involved.”

 

NANS demanded among others: “An immediate and independent investigation by the Ekiti State Government into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, prosecution, and collection of money from the affected students.

 

“A thorough investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the Opay account allegedly used to receive these payments, including the ownership of the account, the flow of funds, and whether similar collections have been made from members of the public.

 

“An investigation into the conduct of all officials of the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and the Ekiti State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation involved in the incident.

 

“Clarification from the appropriate judicial authorities regarding the proceedings the students were subjected to and whether all legal procedures were complied with.”

 

Reacting on Sunday, Ekiti state government, through the commissioner for information, Taiwo Olatubosun, assured that all concerned that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be comprehensively reviewed to establish the facts.

 

“The review will, among other things:

ascertain whether all enforcement procedures were carried out strictly in accordance with the law; verify the process through which the court-imposed fines were paid; and investigate allegations regarding payments allegedly made into a private bank account.”

 

It will also “determine whether any officer acted outside the scope of his or her lawful authority; and recommend appropriate administrative or legal action where any wrongdoing is established.

 

“Government wishes to assure the public that no individual will be shielded from accountability if found to have acted improperly. Equally, no public officer should be condemned solely on the basis of allegations until all the facts have been established.

 

“The Government also reiterates that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise remains an important public health initiative backed by the extant laws of Ekiti State.

 

“Compliance with the restriction order is expected of all residents and visitors alike, while enforcement officers are equally expected to discharge their responsibilities professionally, courteously and strictly within the confines of the law.

 

“The Ekiti State Government therefore appeals to all concerned parties to remain calm, refrain from speculative or inflammatory statements, and allow the review process to proceed without prejudice.

 

“The Government remains committed to justice, transparency, accountability and the protection of the rights of every resident, while ensuring that laws enacted in the public interest are enforced fairly, professionally and in accordance with due process.”

Insecurity: Ex- DSS Chief Says Pantami Should Not Have Been Appointed Minister

By
James Orji
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Isa Pantami

A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has argued that the appointment of Isa Pantami as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy exposed serious flaws in Nigeria’s security vetting system.
Amachree made the observation in his memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, where he reflected on his four decades in the country’s intelligence service and examined some of the most contentious moments in Nigeria’s security history.
One of those moments, he said, was the controversy that erupted in 2021 after old sermons and public comments allegedly linking Pantami to sympathetic views of extremist groups, including al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Boko Haram, resurfaced online.
According to the retired intelligence officer, the episode raised troubling questions about how an individual responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure was able to clear the country’s security screening process.
Amachree explained that the DSS conducts comprehensive background checks on nominees for sensitive public offices, reviewing their affiliations, public speeches, academic records, political leanings, associations and online activities before submitting intelligence reports to the President and, where necessary, the National Assembly. However, he stressed that the agency’s role is strictly advisory.
Although he said he could not confirm the contents of Pantami’s security report, Amachree expressed doubt that the minister’s past public statements would have escaped the attention of intelligence officers. He suggested that political considerations—including federal character, regional balancing and internal party calculations—can sometimes outweigh security recommendations.
Reflecting on Pantami’s confirmation by the Senate, Amachree recalled that then Senate spokesman, Ajibola Basiru, said lawmakers received no adverse security report before approving the nomination.
The former DSS officer said the development pointed to what he described as the politicisation of intelligence. In his view, either any adverse findings were removed before reaching the Senate, or they were ignored because of political interests.
He argued that both possibilities reveal institutional weaknesses in Nigeria’s national security framework and undermine confidence in the country’s intelligence process.
Amachree also maintained that the controversy damaged public trust in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign, noting the contradiction of prosecuting insurgents while defending the appointment of a public official whose past remarks had attracted widespread scrutiny.
Describing the episode as a cautionary tale, he urged future administrations to ensure that security assessments are treated with the seriousness they deserve, especially when making appointments to positions that oversee critical national infrastructure.

2027 Polls: Catholic Church Urges Voters To Consider Competence , Integrity, Over Ethnicity, Religion

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Voters at FCT Council Poll 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Amidst fresh concerns raised by the All Progressive Congress’  decision to retain its  Presidential Muslim -Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 polls, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria  has called on the electorate to prioritize competence , integrity and commitment to the common good over religious and ethnic considerations in their choice of leaders.

 

This is as the Justice, Development and Peace Commission, JDPC. of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, expressed serious concern over the increasing erosion and subversion of public confidence and trust in the country’s democratic institutions and processes.

 

At a media briefing on Friday, the Secretary -General of the Catholic Secretariat, Rev Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, emphasized the need for Nigerians to shun ethnicity and religion in their choice of political office holders in the forthcoming general elections.

 

According to him, voters should  consider the ability of individuals to serve and deliver, rather than paying attention to where they are from, and their religious persuasion.

 

Rev Fr Banjo noted that such mundane considerations in our choice of political leaders has been at the root of the inability of the country to make the needed progress these past years.

 

“We should avoid politics of ethnicity or religion, of looking at where a candidate comes from or what religion he practises.

 

“What if a candidate is a Christian, and he is unable to deliver, and then you want to vote for him just because he is a Christian?.

 

“I think what we want is someone  who is able to serve the common good and move the country forward; someone who truly believes that leadership is service, not self-serving; someone who wants to serve and achieve the common good of all Nigerians.

 

” We want Nigerians to look out for those qualities, and vote for such candidates”, Banjo stated.

 

Similarly, in a statement issued at the end of its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Friday ,the JDPC lamented the growing public distrust in democratic process, noting that such development has the dangerous potential to undermine and weaken democracy in the country.

 

However, in the statement jointly issued by Banjo and Rev Fr Peter Babangida Audu, the JDPC maintained that the greatest threat to the survival of the country’s democratic arrangement is the growing tendency for the people to believe that their votes no longer count.

 

According to the body, many Nigerians no longer have confidence in the ability of democratic institutions to guarantee justice and fairness, adding that this has posed more threat to democracy than election-day malpractices.

 

The JDPC, however, appealed to the people not to  despair or  withdraw completely from the democratic process, insisting that remaining apathetic will only compound the situation.

 

This is as it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and democratic institutions to remain transparent, and neutral in their activities, as well as adhere strictly to the extant rules and regulations governing their operations.

 

The JDPC also appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties, especially, during elections .

Life Imprisonment For Suspects Linked To Oyo Abduction Not Severe Enough – Oyo Govt

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde
Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Oyo State Government has affirmed that it will not appeal against the judgement of a federal high court in Abuja, which sentenced three accused persons to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of withholding information about the alleged masterminds behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

 

It, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the life imprisonment sentence handed to the convicts over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

 

The government described the judgment as a “cold comfort,” arguing that the punishment did not fully reflect the severity of the crime.

 

It stated that it had expected the convicts to receive capital punishment due to the trauma caused to the victims, their families and residents of the state.

 

However, the state government confirmed that it would respect the decision of the court and would not appeal the judgment.

 

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this during a radio programme in Ibadan while reacting to the verdict delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

 

The court had earlier sentenced the three individuals to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of withholding information about the alleged masterminds behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

 

Reacting to the ruling, Oyelade said the punishment was not sufficient considering the impact of the incident on the victims and the wider community.

 

He argued that individuals who conceal information that enables criminal activities should be held accountable alongside those who directly carry out such offences.

 

According to him, those who assist criminals by hiding vital information contribute to the success of such crimes and should not be treated differently from the perpetrators.

 

Despite the state government’s reservations, the commissioner said the administration would respect the rule of law and accept the court’s decision.

 

He also commended the Federal High Court for the swift conclusion of the case, describing the development as an indication that serious criminal matters can be handled efficiently within Nigeria’s justice system.

 

Oyelade further called for a review of the country’s anti-terrorism and criminal laws to ensure that kidnapping, terrorism and other security-related offences attract appropriate penalties.

 

He stressed that stronger legislation, faster prosecution and effective enforcement would help deter criminals and improve security across the country.

 

The commissioner also reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to strengthening security measures around schools and protecting pupils and teachers from future attacks.

Release Details Of Kidnap Suspects, Ondo Community Urge Police

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni 

‎

‎Residents of Ode-Irele, the headquarters of Irele Local government area of Ondo State have called on the state police command to release details of suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of a woman in the area.

 

The Command has however explained that investigation into the incident is ongoing and that the matter involves thorough handling.

 

The people expressed concern over the concealment of the identity and prosecution of suspects arrested by the Ondo State police in connection with the abduction of Mrs Morenike Falona, the wife of a prominent chief and business man in the town.

‎

‎Mrs Morenike Falona was roughly abducted in the presence of her husband, Chief Babatunde Falona and other family members in the night at their home on the 15th of June, 2026, by heavily armed gunmen.

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‎The combined efforts of security agencies and the cooperation of the Ikale/Apoi/Ijaw Arogbo communities, facilitated the rescue of the abducted woman three days after.

 

‎Few days later, the community was reliably informed that four suspected kidnappers had been apprehended in connection with the crime and taken to the Police Headquarters in Akure for interrogation and further investigation.

‎

‎However, since the arrest of the suspects,  the police was yet to brief the press or disclose the identity of the suspected kidnappers or charge them to court, raising suspicion among the Ikale/Apoi/Arogbo communities that the police might be up to something else.

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‎A community leader and retired Public servant, Sir Rufus Falona who spoke on behalf of the Folana family said Irele and the surrounding communities are becoming worried  about the silence of the police over the matter.

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‎According to him, the continued concealment of the identity of the alleged suspects and the silence of the police over the matter, coupled with the failure to charge the suspects to court, further aggravated the fear that they might eventually evade justice.

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‎Sir Falona however appealed to the Commissioner of police, Ondo state to fast track the investigation, unmask the criminals and prosecute them according to the laws. 

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‎Reacting to the report, the Ondo State Police Command, while noting with concern the anxiety of the family and members of the community, explained that the command was trying to be thorough as criminal investigations, particularly those involving kidnapping, syndicates and other organized crimes, are often intelligence-driven and require a high level of confidentiality.

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‎A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that premature disclosure of operational details, identities of suspects or other sensitive information may jeopardize ongoing investigations, compromise efforts to apprehend additional accomplices or prejudice subsequent prosecution. 

‎

‎He noted that following the rescue of the victim, Mrs Morenike Falona, several investigative steps were initiated, including the arrest and interrogation of suspects connected with the case, emphasising that the command has no interest in concealing the identity of criminal suspects or frustrating the course of justice.

‎

‎ASP Abayomi therefore reiterated the unwavering commitment of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu,  to transparency, professionalism and the rule of law, assuring the public that appropriate information would be made available to the public while suspects will be charged to court accordingly.

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“The North In Hopeless Situation, I Will Be Lucky If I’m Not Arrested” – Abacha’s CSO, Al-Mustapha”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Major Hamza Al- Mustapha
Major Hamza Al- Mustapha.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

 

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, (rtd)  former Chief Security Office CSO to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, vowed to always speak truth to power, even at the risk of being hounded.

 

Mustapha, who spoke alongside former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Prof.Ango Abdullahi , former Peoples Democratic party PDP National Secretary, Dr Usman Bugaje and others at the the occasion of the third edition of late General Hassan Usman Katsina’s memorial lecture in Kaduna on Saturday, alerted that he may be arrested for speaking truth to both Northern leaders and Nigeria.

 

Echoing the positions of the keynote  Speaker, Bugaje, and Prof Abdullahi,  Abacha’s former CSO blamed what he referred to as the state of hopelessness in the North, on its leaders whom he accused of completely deviating from the values and governance framework left behind by their founding fathers.

 

According to him, although many modern leaders of the region may be feeling unease about his views, he will never stop reminding them that they have failed the people.

 

“But many people may not like what I am saying. From the situation of the North, and indeed Nigeria, from every  child on the street to the elite, if they are truly there, know that Nigeria is in  a sorry state.

 

“The state of the North itself  is totally hopeless. Speaking the truth in the present circumstances is the job of patriots.

 

“People who praise-sing people in power are no more than deceits. In fact, they are a threat to the society”, Mustapha stated

 

While applauding and describing the theme of the lecture “From Sacrifice to Strategy: Rekindling.Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina’s Vision for a Prosperous Northern Nigeria” as apt, he expressed disappointment with the low turnout of leaders of the region.

 

Mustapha particularly condemned the failure of most Northern Governors to be part of the event, given its sensitive and important nature.

 

He stated  that he was not all that surprised at the failure of the Governors to attend the lecture, and noted that most of  them lack initiatives;  are not ready to make sacrifices for their people and region; completely out of touch with the needs and aspirations of their people ,as well as without any understanding of the problems of their people and how to solve same.

 

“Our leaders don’t care about the future of the people and country. In fact, the system is too rotten.

 

“Those in leadership position in the region, and the country in general, don’t understand the problems of the people, and they also don’t have any solution to them.

 

“Nigerian leaders don’t understand what true leadership entails. They are completely detached from the people they claim to b leading.

 

“I don’t care if I should be arrested here after this speech. But the most important thing is that I will continue to speak truth to power no matter the threat.

 

“Our leaders have totally abandoned the ideals of our founding fathers, and it is the main reason we are in this sorry state. The Governors of the Northern region don’t have focus, and are not interested in the welfare of their people”, Mustapha noted.

Shoot on Sight Order: “IGP’s Message Misrepresented” – NPF

By
Ayodele Oni
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IGP Tunji Disu
IGP Tunji Disu

 

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the   “shoot-on-sight” order given by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, was merely to remind Police officers on the existence of the act.

 

The IGP was quoted to have issued the order during his recent visit to Makurdi, Benue State. 

 

It described media reports to that effect as a misrepresentation of his remarks.

 

In a statement, the Force said the IGP’s comments at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi had been taken out of context.

 

According to the statement, Disu merely reminded police officers of the provisions of Force Order 237, which regulates the lawful use of firearms by officers in the discharge of their duties.

 

The police explained that the IGP said officers had been adequately briefed on the operational guidelines governing the deployment of firearms and understood when it is appropriate to use their weapons in line with the established Rules of Engagement.

 

The Force stressed that the Inspector-General did not direct officers to shoot anyone on sight as widely reported.

 

Rather, the IGP reaffirmed that illegal possession of firearms and acts of violence would not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies.

 

“The Inspector-General of Police did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the statement stressed.

 

It added that the IGP only reiterated that officers are guided by Force Order 237 and are expected to act strictly within the law when confronted with security threats.

 

The Police urged the public and media organisations to rely on verified information and avoid circulating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or misunderstanding.

 

To ensure transparency, the Force encouraged members of the public to watch the full video of the Inspector-General’s remarks to appreciate the context of his comments.

 

The clarification followed widespread media reports suggesting that the IGP had ordered police officers to shoot anyone found carrying illegal firearms during the stakeholders’ meeting in Benue State.

 

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and adherence to the rule of law in all its operations across the country.

How Suspected Coup Plotters Shared Offices – Report

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Coup Plotters in Court

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

As the trial of the alleged masterminds of a coup plot to oust President Bola Tinubu continues, an insight into its  operational dynamics  and power sharing arrangements have been provided by a document linked to the panel investigating the plot.

 

According to the document cited by Premium Times, while  the plotters had planned to install their leader, Col Mohammed Ma’aji, as the Head of State, one of the key figures in the alleged would-have-been putsch, Lt Col Shamsddeen Bappah, opted to head the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.

 

Similarly, the duo of Major Iliyasu Jamilu and Lt Sunday Felix requested to be appointed as an Aide-de-camp ADC to the in-coming Commander-in-Chief, and a Minister  respectively.

 

As it is customary, the about 7,400 page investigative report by the panel revealed that the promoters of the coup plot had equally outlined several operational steps designed to wrest complete control of some strategic military formations and institutions,  including the Aso Rock Villa.

 

The document revealed that members of the group were assigned specific duties, including the take over of some critical military formations and national assets such as airports, strategic military formations, and broadcast stations.

 

The panel quoted one of the suspects,  Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim, as saying that the plotters had planned to execute the final take-over operation between the wee hours of 1 am and 2 am tentatively of September 27, or October 1 or October 4, 2025.

 

However, according to the findings of the Panel, the group could not settle for a final date, owing to the non-conclusion of the plot before being intercepted.

 

The Panel further disclosed that Major Ibrahim informed that the final execution date was made dependent on the availability of all necessary logistical support, including loyal troops , weapons ,and other critical resources.

 

The document claimed that Usman himself was assigned the important duty of leading the assault on the Presidential Villa after due surveillance and reconnaissance of the critical security architecture.

 

Although the measure was said to have been opposed owing to its potential to give away the plot and raise unnecessary suspicion, the coupist had planned to cut off power supply to the Presidential Villa minutes before launching the operation.

 

One Zekeri Umoru ,an employee of the Construction giant, Julius Berger, was said to have reasoned that the idea of throwing the nation’s seat of power into complete darkness will naturally trigger the alarm bell.

 

Apparently for critical logistical support and back-up, including reinforcement  during the execution of the plot, Lt Col Bappah was assigned the task of manning the 102 Army battalion in Zuma in Niger state, but close to Abuja.

 

The document revealed that for effective take over, and control, other members of the group were detailed to man and secure Air House, Military formations and facilities in Lagos, as well as the residences of designated top military brass.

 

Furthermore ,the panel in its report stated that while the plotters had planned to mobilise troops and other logistical items including weapons and ammunition from several military formations, the leader of the group had hoped to immediately reshuffle the Armed Forces with the appointment of new Service  Chiefs to replace the incumbents most of whom were said to had been earmarked for elimination.

 

According to the Panel’s report, to effectively secure their position ,and avoid a possible counter coup, the plotters were said to have made contingent moves to ban movements in and out of the country for the first few days of the operation.

 

Investigators also disclosed that the plotters, as is normal in top security plans and operations, made use of coded words in their communication.

 

To divert attention ,they were said to have referred to themselves as  “farmers”, as well as the plot itself as  “farming”

 

Similarly, while fertiliser was used in reference to logistical items including weapons and troops, “harvest” referred to the day of execution of the coup.

 

The document also contain outlined such other activities like statements obtained from the alleged coup plotters, their bank details, private notes, communication note, as well as other vital records linked to the scheme.

 

The Source reports that Col Ma’aji, Lt Col Bappah, Major Ibrahim ,and one Col M M Adamu (rtd) had earlier been identified as ringleaders.of the alleged plot .

 

Meanwhile,the accused persons, apart pleading their innocence, have insisted that whatever statements being brandished by the Panel were obtained from them under duress.

 

Consequently, they have objected to the court and Court Martial presently entertaining the cases, admitting the document in question in evidence.

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