Former Labour Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has expressed skepticism over the prospect of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso emerging as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential race.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Federal Government’s prosecution on Wednesday formally opened its case in the accelerated trial of six men accused of plotting to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration, presenting four witnesses before the court.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

One of the central witnesses, a soldier from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police identified only as “AAA,” detailed how security operatives uncovered and investigated the alleged coup plot.

While being led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness said all six defendants were arrested over their alleged involvement in a conspiracy linked to Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, other military officers, and civilians.

According to the witness, the investigation began after the then Chief of Army Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, received intelligence suggesting that Col. Ma’aji and others were planning to overthrow the government.

He said the intelligence was thoroughly reviewed, considered credible, and subsequently triggered a full-scale military investigation.

Following Ma’aji’s arrest, investigators reportedly recovered a Samsung Galaxy phone and a jotter from his residence.

The witness told the court that the jotter allegedly contained operational strategies, names of senior government figures, and military officers reportedly marked for assassination, alongside proposed political and structural changes to be implemented after the alleged coup.

Forensic examination of the phone, he added, uncovered extensive plans and communication links between Ma’aji, the other accused persons, and several associates.

The court also heard that investigators traced financial transactions connecting the suspects to notable figures, including former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.

According to the witness, security agents also uncovered coded communications and payment trails allegedly used to finance the plot.

He further alleged that a company identified as Purple Wave served as a financial channel for the operation, with EFCC records showing multiple large withdrawals between September and October 2025, totaling several hundreds of millions of naira.

The witness claimed that although some transactions were disguised as legitimate business payments, investigations indicated the funds were allegedly redirected to support the coup plot.

The court was told that several secret meetings allegedly took place at locations in Abuja, including Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel, where participants reportedly discussed dissatisfaction with the government and plans for regime change.

According to the testimony, the alleged conspirators also mapped out strategic targets, including key officials, military formations, and major roads, while assigning roles for a proposed post-coup government structure.

The witness further claimed the suspects engaged in consultations, spiritual divination, and vehicle procurement as part of preparations.

During proceedings, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted several documentary exhibits, including hotel receipts and phone extracts, despite objections from defence lawyers.

However, video evidence stored on a flash drive was temporarily delayed after defence counsel argued it had not been properly served in advance.

Earlier in the trial, three bank officials from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank testified, submitting account statements linked to some of the defendants and associated firms.

Justice Abdulmalik has adjourned the matter until May 4 and 5 for continuation of hearing, with the fourth prosecution witness expected to resume testimony.

The Senior Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Jerry Eze, has responded to remarks by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, regarding an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during a business grant event organised by his foundation, Eze opened up about the emotional strain he faced while the probe lasted.

He described the period as painful and confusing, saying he found it difficult to understand why he was being investigated despite believing he had done nothing wrong.

According to the cleric, the experience weighed heavily on him, particularly during his daily routine, as he often struggled emotionally while trying to process the situation and seek divine intervention.

He recalled moments when he would break down in tears on his way to early morning programmes, praying and asking God for clarity over the unfolding events.

Eze also said he reached out to close associates, including fellow pastors, as he sought comfort and tried to understand why he was under scrutiny.

“I kept asking myself, ‘What did I do? I have done nothing wrong. Why are these people after me?’” he said.

The pastor revealed that he even prayed for the EFCC chairman during the ordeal, placing his name on the altar as he sought God’s guidance through the uncertainty.

However, he expressed gratitude that after an extensive review of his financial records, the anti-graft agency reportedly found no evidence of wrongdoing.

According to him, the conclusion of the investigation brought immense relief and renewed gratitude to God.

His comments followed Olukoyede’s disclosure that he had authorised a six-month investigation into the pastor after intelligence reports flagged significant foreign currency inflows into an account linked to him.

The EFCC chairman explained that the commission acted on reports suggesting funds were being received from multiple countries, prompting a detailed financial review and source-tracing process.

Following the investigation, Jerry Eze was invited for questioning, where he explained that the funds were connected to ministry operations and charitable activities.

Olukoyede stated that no offence was established after the probe, adding that the commission ultimately cleared the pastor while advising him to maintain transparency in his financial dealings.