
News
It’s democracy forever, military debunks alleged coup report
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false and malicious reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged coup attempt by some military officers.
Sahara Reporters had claimed that the 16 detained officers — ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government.
The platform also alleged that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1 was connected to the purported plot.
In a statement on Saturday by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military said the publication, which also referenced the recent arrest of 16 officers, was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.
“The claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace, ” the statement partly read.

The DHQ explained that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was purely administrative, taken to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and enable troops to sustain ongoing military operations across the country.
“The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” Gusau stated.
On the detention of the 16 officers earlier reported by the military, the DHQ clarified that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue being handled through an internal investigative process.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement added.
Reaffirming the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and democratic governance, the DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the rumours and continue to support the nation’s security agencies.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” Gusau stated.
He further called on citizens to unite in the pursuit of peace and national stability, noting that the executive, legislature, and judiciary are working together to ensure the safety, development, and well-being of all Nigerians

News
Outrage as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila asks Rep to ‘Stay in ADC and scatter them’
There has been widespread criticism on social media following remarks of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, encouraging a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Leke Abejide, to “stay in ADC and scatter them.”
The ADC is currently in a crisis as different factions are struggling to take control of the party.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke at the 50th birthday party of the wife of Abejide in Abuja.
Video of the event, which surfaced online on Monday, showed Gbajabiamila urging the lawmaker, who belongs to Nafiu Bala faction of the party to remain within the party and intensify internal struggles.
In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila said: “I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party ADC. Do not abandon them.
“We like what you are doing. Continue. Don’t mind what the former governor said they will come and join APC. No, no, no. Stay in ADC. Win your re-election in ADC and you will. Bring Gombe, what’s his name again? Bala Gombe. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve built with your sweat and your money and everything. Continue. Good luck in court.”

The remarks have triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of promoting political interference and internal destabilisation of opposition parties.
On X, users expressed anger over Gbajabiamila’s comments, describing them as undemocratic and politically reckless.
Lapai Boy wrote: “They will not be a ruling party forever, let them enjoy it while it lasts.”
Oluwadamilare said: “Shame.. and that clueless man called bejide has family… No one can counsel him he is fight against democracy. APC is evil”
Charles Darwin posted:“Foolish people, I was seeing this man like a responsible person.”
Matthew Beckley added:“APC thinks dis is 2023, were Der Baba said snatch and grab it, Der eyes go clear
TrendPHD wrote:“Continue to push for the destruction of ADC, the people’s choice. It’ll never happen but your own downfall is imminent”
Isah Ishola criticised the development, saying: “This has further shows these people are only after politics of destruction, demonstrating their evil act publicly is so shameful, at least they should have some courtesy for the office of the president. They reduced the office of the pres!dent to nothing than business ventures..”
Another user Thanos wrote, “I don;t blame them, I blame INEC and the judiciary.”
A’man posted “He is blushing for being sent a dangerous work. Your end may likely not justify your means.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates about political conduct and party rivalry in Nigeria, especially as opposition parties continue to reorganise ahead of future electoral cycles. Daily Trust

News
Gunmen kill driver, abduct passengers along Ore–Benin expressway
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have attacked a commercial bus operated by GUO Transport along the Ore–Benin expressway, killing the driver and abducting several passengers in what underscores Nigeria’s deepening insecurity on major highways.
Reports indicate that the assailants ambushed the east-bound vehicle, opened fire on the driver, who died at the scene and subsequently whisked away passengers to an unknown destination.
The incident is believed to have occurred along a notorious stretch of the highway linking the South-West to the South-South, long plagued by banditry and abductions.
While official confirmation from security agencies is expected, local sources and a circulating video showed that passengers might have forcefully been taken into nearby forests, a tactic commonly employed by kidnapping syndicates operating along the corridor.
Similar attacks in the past have involved mass abductions, with victims later released after ransom payments.
The Ore–Benin expressway has increasingly become a hotspot for such criminal activities, with security analysts attributing the trend to inadequate patrol coverage, difficult terrain, and the strategic importance of the route for interregional travel.

This latest incident adds to growing public frustration over what many describe as the normalization of violent attacks on Nigerian roads.
Nigerians have repeatedly called for intensified security presence, surveillance infrastructure, and coordinated response mechanisms to curb the menace.

News
Pregnant woman ‘falls and dies while fleeing from cow during burial’ in Anambra
A tragic incident has been reported in Oba, Anambra state where a pregnant woman identified as Omalicha, reportedly lost her life after falling while trying to escape from a stray cow during a burial ceremony.
According to accounts shared online, the incident occurred when the animal suddenly broke loose at the event, causing panic among attendees. As people scrambled for safety, the expectant mother was said to have fallen during the chaos.
The story was brought to public attention by a friend of the deceased, Chinazor Peace Anyadiegwu, who recounted the events in an emotional social media post on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
She revealed that she had seen the woman just hours before the incident, describing a brief encounter where the deceased was with her children. The sudden news of her death, she said, came as a shock.
According to her account, confusion broke out at the burial when the cow became uncontrollable, forcing people to run in different directions. It was during this moment that the pregnant woman reportedly fell, leading to the fatal outcome.
The incident has left many in the community devastated, especially given the woman’s condition and her role as a mother. Tributes have continued to pour in, with friends and acquaintances expressing grief over the sudden loss.

The tragedy has also raised concerns about safety measures at social gatherings, particularly in situations where animals are involved.
Observers say better control and supervision could help prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from authorities regarding the incident.

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