The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has demanded a retraction and apology from PUNCH and Daily Times newspapers over an alleged coup rumor against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Commission’s legal counsel, ADEDIPE AND ADEDIPE Legal Practitioners, issued a strongly worded letter signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, demanding that PUNCH, Daily Times, and others retract the offensive and false publication and provide an unreserved public apology.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Adedipe stated that the report “falsely alleged that Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup plot against President Tinubu.

“The publication further claimed, without any factual or evidential basis, that Dr. Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance an alleged coup plot. These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”

In the letter, it was stated that “Dr. Ogbuku categorically denies these baseless claims. He has not been arrested, invited, or interrogated by any authority in connection with any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct. The publication represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics, as no attempt was made to contact or verify the story with him or the NDDC prior to its release.

“This reckless and damaging report has caused Dr. Ogbuku and his family severe emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm. Friends, associates, and colleagues have inundated him with calls expressing shock and concern over the false claims.

“Accordingly, through his legal representatives, Dr. Ogbuku has demanded the following from PUNCH Newspaper and its editor, Awwal Owolabi:

1. Immediate retraction of the defamatory publication from all their news platforms; and

2. Publication of a written apology in at least four (4) national newspapers and five (5) consecutive editions of PUNCH Newspaper, including all associated online and social media platforms.

“Failure to comply with these demands within seven (7) days of receiving this legal notice will compel Dr. Ogbuku to initiate both civil and criminal proceedings against the publication and its editors, pursuant to the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and other applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The NDDC reiterates its commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region, the peace and stability of Nigeria, and upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in public service.

The NDDC Legal Counsel stated: “We urge members of the public to disregard the aforementioned false report in its entirety and rely only on verified information from the Commission’s official communication channels.”

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is currently reviewing citizenship applications from 170 foreign nationals.

The minister made the announcement on X ‘formerly known as Twitter’ through his social media handle @Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at midnight. Olubunmi said the Citizenship Advisory Committee was responsible for reviewing and recommending citizenship applications for President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

“We understand that the exercise is a test of our integrity as leaders and we will ensure to uphold the trust placed on us by the nation.

“Citizenship of the biggest black nation on earth is a valuable asset that requires careful consideration.

“We hereby assure Nigerians that we will prioritise integrity and proven character above all else,” he said.

The minister stated that the committee comprised top officials from key government bodies: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Security, and Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to do everything to make our beloved country a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for all,” he said.

An air force officer recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was detailed to kill Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), sources familiar with the investigation of the alleged coup plot have told TheCable.

SB Adamu, a squadron leader with service no NAF/3481 from Jigawa state, was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — a programme coordinated by ONSA — four weeks before the alleged coup plot was bitched.

Contrary to reports that many of the suspects were working with the ONSA, Adamu was the only one linked to the office through the NCTC.

The NCTC is one of the programmes coordinated by the ONSA.

Military sources told TheCable that when Adamu Garba Laka, a major general and national coordinator of NCTC, requested for a specific officer to be posted to the centre in August 2025, he was surprised that his request was not approved.

Instead, Adamu was posted to the office — and this is now fuelling speculation that the alleged coup plotters had infiltrated the military hierarchy.

President Bola Tinubu recently did a clear-out, sacking two of his services chiefs, including Hasan Abubakar, an air marshal.

The detailed squadron leader was allegedly detailed to “take out” Ribadu just as some other officers were tasked with killing other senior government officials, TheCable was informed.

He is said to be cooperating with investigators.

Military authorities are yet to officially confirm the coup plot.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) insisted, in a press statement after Sahara Reporters broke the story, that the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.

Tukur Gusau, a brigadier and director of defence information, said the findings of the investigation will be made public.

Media reports have continued to reveal the identities of those in detention after the story of the alleged coup plot.