latest
“Ex-DasukiGate Suspect Dragged Into Alleged Coup Plot Probe Against Tinubu”.
Fresh developments have revealed that Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, previously detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged role in the multi-billion-naira arms fund diversion scandal known as DasukiGate, is now a key figure in the ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The DasukiGate scandal involved the alleged diversion of about $2 billion earmarked for arms procurement under former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.). The funds were intended to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram insurgency but were reportedly misappropriated by politicians, contractors, and associates. The case remains one of Nigeria’s most significant corruption controversies, shaping national discourse on accountability within the military and government.
Ashinze, who currently serves as Director of Fusion at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), is said to have been involved in the investigative panel probing the alleged coup plot from its early stages. The DIA, established in 1986, is Nigeria’s primary military intelligence body responsible for gathering intelligence for the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, as well as supporting operations against insurgency and terrorism.
However, concerns have been raised about the credibility and neutrality of the investigation due to Ashinze’s past involvement in the DasukiGate case. He is reportedly working alongside other senior officers, including Major General R. E. Hedima, the current Chief of Military Intelligence, and Major General Y. Yahaya, who is said to have chaired the investigative panel. Yahaya currently serves as Theatre Commander of Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State, a security operation launched in February 2026.
Sources familiar with the probe claim the panel made several controversial findings, including allegations that ₦12 billion was discovered in the account of Colonel M.A. Ma’aji and that snipers had been recruited within the Presidential Villa. Critics argue that some of these claims appear exaggerated and may have been used to support a predetermined narrative.
Observers have also suggested that aspects of the alleged coup plot may have been overstated to justify wide-ranging actions against certain officers. Civil society groups and families of those detained have expressed concerns over the conduct of the investigation, calling for a transparent, independent, and credible process free from internal power struggles or personal interests within the military hierarchy.
They stressed that the probe is not only a national security matter but also a test of public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions. Families of detained officers have further raised concerns about their health and safety, urging authorities to confirm that they are alive, well, and given a fair opportunity to defend themselves.
Reports in January 2026 indicated that at least five detained officers had fallen ill, with two collapsing due to worsening health conditions. Some sources alleged that detainees were moved from an initial DIA facility to an underground military cell in Abuja described as poorly ventilated.
Military sources disclosed that several officers across various ranks were detained during the investigation. Those reportedly in custody include one Brigadier General, two Colonels, five Lieutenant Colonels, one Wing Commander, eight Majors, one Lieutenant Commander, two Squadron Leaders, five Captains, and one Lieutenant.
Additionally, 10 non-commissioned officers—including a Warrant Officer, five Sergeants, one Corporal, and two Lance Corporals—are said to be in detention. The officers were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and were reportedly arrested during coordinated operations carried out by military intelligence after weeks of surveillance.
The situation has also taken a political dimension following reports that military operatives raided the Maitama residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, as part of the probe. Sylva confirmed the visit by security operatives but denied any involvement, describing attempts to link him to the alleged plot as politically motivated.
Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has graduated 17,300 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held on Saturday at the main campus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The university also conferred honorary Doctorate Degrees on Paul Odili, Founder and CEO of Paulo Group of Companies; Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN; and Emmanuel Issa, in recognition of their contributions to society.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the honourees were selected based on their character, achievements, and commitment to excellence.
He urged graduating students to focus on what they can contribute to national development, stressing that character, discipline, and integrity would determine their success beyond the classroom.
According to him, certificates may open doors, but personal values and conduct will shape long-term achievements.
The Vice Chancellor also reminded the graduates to uphold the reputation of the institution wherever they go.
Fawehinmi disclosed that the 29th convocation covered the 2022/2023 academic session, while the 30th covered 2023/2024, with thousands graduating across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Speaking after receiving his honorary award, Dr. Odili dedicated the recognition to Nigerians with dreams and encouraged young people to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
He also pledged support for the university, promising collaboration aimed at addressing key challenges facing the institution.
The Federal Government has released an updated list of items banned from importation into Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting local industries and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The revised prohibition schedule, dated April 1, 2026, outlines 17 broad categories of goods that are no longer allowed into the country through any entry point.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the policy affects a wide range of products, including food items, pharmaceuticals, household goods, and industrial materials.
One of the most notable aspects of the list is the ban on several widely used medicines under specified HS codes, including paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, chloroquine, aspirin, folic acid, and some vitamin supplements. The government says these are now to be produced locally.
The restriction also covers pharmaceutical waste, which remains completely prohibited.
In the agriculture and food sector, the importation of poultry, pork, beef, and eggs remains banned, although an exception was made for hatching eggs used for breeding and research purposes.
Retail-packaged vegetable oils, sugar products, cocoa derivatives, tomato paste, and certain bottled water products are also included in the import restrictions, with emphasis on encouraging local production.
The policy further bars detergents, soaps, ballpoint pens and refills, cement, certain fertilizers, packaging materials, and specific steel and glass products.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been directed to enforce the new rules strictly, with importers and businesses advised to comply fully to avoid seizure of goods and penalties.
ADC chieftain and publisher, Dele Momodu, has dismissed calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the push as unfair and politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Momodu was reacting to comments by activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, a supporter of Peter Obi, who urged Atiku to step aside over concerns about his age, which would be about 80 by 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Momodu said attention should be focused on holding the government accountable rather than targeting Atiku’s political ambition.
The exchange followed a viral video where Idris insisted that Atiku should support younger aspirants instead of contesting, arguing that voters would not back an elderly candidate.
Idris also suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman and support younger politicians such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others.
Responding, Momodu cited several world leaders who held office at advanced ages, arguing that experience should not be dismissed in leadership discussions.
He questioned what should disqualify Atiku from contesting, insisting that age alone is not a valid reason.
Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu, is reportedly considering another run in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp