News
Military submits report on alleged coup plot to President Tinubu
The military has submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the report of its investigation into what it tagged “indiscipline and breach of service regulations” by the 16 detained officers whom reports had alleged were involved in coup plot, Daily Trust has learnt.
Credible security and Presidency sources confirmed to our correspondent on Sunday that the report was submitted to the president after over two months of thorough grilling and investigations carried out by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
A report by Sahara Reporters had in October last year said the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General, were arrested and detained by the DIA for attempting to overthrow President Tinubu’s government.
The Defence Headquarters and the Presidency had, at that time, denied that there was a coup attempt, despite widespread reports linking it to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day Parade, by President Tinubu.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Sunday, a source privy to the investigation said the report had been submitted to the president.
He said a decision by the president on the report “will allow further actions.”
“Those who were tasked to investigate the involvement of the officers have concluded their job, and they have submitted the report to the president who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” the source revealed.
Asked to give an insight into the content of the report, the source said: “All I can tell you is that the officers were indicted, and they will be sanctioned accordingly when the president gives his nod.
“Although I don’t also know whether they will be court-martialled for the offence they might have committed, they will face sanctions in line with the military’s standard procedures.”
‘President told coup attempt real’
Also speaking to our correspondent yesterday, a highly placed source at the Presidential Villa also confirmed that the military had briefed the president on its investigation.
“They (military authorities) briefed Mr President that it (the attempt to stage a coup) was real. The report clearly showed that there was an attempt by the detained officers to do what the media reported they planned to do.
“The Brigadier-General among them was picked because it was discovered that he was aware of the plot but did not report it,” the source said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, could not be reached on their mobile telephone lines yesterday. They did not reply to text and WhatsApp messages seeking their comment on whether the report of the investigation had been submitted to the president.
A former governor from one of the southern states was also said to have been investigated on suspicion that financed the alleged coup plot.
On October 29, soldiers were reported to have raided former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva’s Abuja and Yenagoa homes and arrested his brother; while his media aide, Julius Bokoru, had described as “sickening” the alleged attempt by “desperate politicians” to link Sylva to the rumoured plot.
Another military source hinted that the health condition of some of them had deteriorated.
The initial denial
The military high command, through its former Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, had, in a statement on October 4, 2025, claimed that 16 officers were arrested over issues that bordered on “indiscipline and breach of service regulations”.
Gusau had said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.
“Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.
“The Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.”
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, had, while speaking on TVC News on October 28, dismissed the report of a coup plot against Tinubu’s administration, describing it as unfounded.
“We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power. So, when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there,” Dare had stated.
Detained officers’ identities
The detained officers include a Brigadier-General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, a Lieutenant, a Lieutenant Commander from the Navy (the naval equivalent of a Major) and a Squadron Leader from the Air Force.
Checks showed that 12 of the officers belong to the Infantry Corps, the army’s frontline combat unit whose troops primarily engage in ground battles.
One officer is from the Signals Corps that manages military communications; while another serves in the Ordnance Corps responsible for procuring, storing and maintaining weapons, ammunition, vehicles and other essential hardware.
The Brigadier-General, Musa Abubakar Sadiq, with service number N/10321, was born on January 3, 1974. He trained as an NDA cadet between 14 August 1992 and 20 September 1997 and is suspected to be the leader of the alleged coup plot.
As a member of Regular Course 44, Sadiq, an indigene of Nasarawa State, rose through the ranks, becoming a colonel in 2015 and a brigadier four years later. He belongs to the infantry corps.
Further checks showed that it was not the first time Sadiq had made headlines for alleged gross misconduct. In October 2024, he was reportedly detained for “alleged diversion of rice palliatives, selling of military equipment, including generator sets and operational vehicles to scrap yards.”
Among other postings, the officer had served as Commander of the 3rd Brigade in Kano and Garrison Commander of the 81 Division of the Army in Lagos.
Colonel M.A. Ma’aji is a Colonel with service number N/10668. Born on 1st March 1976, the Nupe native from Niger State started training on 18 August 1995 and finished on 16 September 2000. Investigators suspect he played the role of a key strategist for the alleged coup plot, but the claim has not been verified.
A member of the infantry corps, Ma’aji was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2013, becoming a full colonel four years later. The 49-year-old officer was the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army based in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
He took part in Operation Crocodile Smile II, a Nigerian Army military exercise conducted in 2017 to address security challenges in the Niger Delta and parts of the South West.
He also served at Depot, Nigerian Army and later as Commander, Operation Delta Safe. He was a member of the 47 Regular Course of the NDA.
Lt. Colonel S. Bappah is a member of the Nigerian Army Signals Corps, with service number N/13036. He hails from Bauchi State in North-East Nigeria. He was born on 21 June 1984.
The 41-year-old officer started his cadet training on 27 September 2004 and completed it on 4 October 2008. He is a member of the 56 Regular Course of the NDA.
Lt Colonel A.A. Hayatu, with service number N/13038, hails from Kaduna State. Born on 13 August 1983, he underwent his cadet training between 27 September 2004 and 04 October 2008. A member of the infantry corps, Hayatu also belonged to the 56 Regular Course.
Dangnap is from Plateau State. He was born on 1 April 1986. In 2015, he was court-martialed alongside 29 others for offences related to the fight against Boko Haram. The 39-year-old officer, with service number N/13025, began his cadet training on 27 September 2004 and completed it on 4 October 2008. Dangnap is an infantry corps officer and member of the 56 Regular Course of the NDA.
Lt. Colonel M. Al-Makura is a member of the 56 Regular Course. A native of Nasarawa State, he was born on 18 March 1983. The infantry corps officer with service number N/12983 trained as a cadet at the NDA from 27 September 2004 to 4 October 2008.
Major A. J Ibrahim, with service number N/13065, hails from Gombe State. Born on 12 June 1987, the Infantry Corps officer trained between 27 September 2004 and 4 October 2008. He was a member of the 56 Regular Course and became a captain in 2013.
Major M.M. Jiddah is an indigene of Katsina State. He was born on 9 July 1985. He trained between 27 September 2004 and 4 October 2008. Jiddah, with service number N/13003, is an infantry Army officer and a member of the 56 Regular Course.
Major M.A. Usman is a Nigerian Army major with service number N/15404. He was born on 1 April 1989. He hails from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A member of the 60th Regular Course, the infantry officer trained as a cadet at the NDA between 16 August 2008 and 14 September 2012.
Major D. Yusuf is a member of the Ordnance Corps. He was born on 26 May 1988. As a member of the 59th Regular Course, Yusuf, with service number N/14753, trained at NDA between 7 July 2007 and 8 September 2012. The officer hails from Gombe State.
Major I. Dauda joined the army through the Direct Short Service Commissions. Born on 26 November 1983, the infantry officer with service number N/13625, trained between 5 June 2009 and 27 March 2010. Dauda, who hails from Jigawa, is a member of Short Service Commission Course 38.
The remaining officers, whose details are still sketchy, are: Captain Ibrahim Bello, a member of the Direct Short Service Commission Course 43 with service number N/16266, who was born on 28 July 1987; Captain A. A Yusuf with service number N/16724; Lieutenant S.S Felix with service number N/18105; Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi, a naval officer with service number NN/3289 and Squadron S. B Adamu, an Air Force squadron leader with service number NAF/348.
Activists seek justice for detainees
A group, Concerned Pro-Democratic Activists of Nigeria, yesterday appealed to the federal government to take care of the detained officers’ health.
The group’s chairman, Yusuf Musa Dauda, at a press conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital, expressed concerns over reports that some of the officers were seriously-ill and that their family members had been denied access to them.
He called on the government to grant the officers proper medical attention, permit communication with their family members and possibly release them if there is no case against them or charge them to court for legal procedures,
Dauda said: “We also learnt about the total denial of family members’ access to see or speak with them since their arrest, to at least know their conditions and alleviate their worries.
“We are concerned over their prolonged detention without trial or proper legal procedures in a democratic era.
“We strongly condemn any act of overthrow of government undemocratically, but we urge authorities to look into this matter with fair judgment”
A mammoth crowd welcomed the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as he made a triumphant entry into Benin City, Edo State, despite a warning earlier issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Obi’s arrival has continued to generate reactions across the state, with supporters turning out in large numbers to receive the former Anambra State governor.
The development comes amid heightened political attention in Edo, as Obi’s visit appears to have tested the resolve of the state government following the governor’s earlier warning.
Edo Go Ikpebholo and Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
Videos from the event showed enthusiastic supporters chanting and cheering as Obi arrived in the city, further fueling discussions over his growing political presence and the significance of the visit.
Governor Okpebholo, had on July 18 2025, warned the NDC candidate against visiting Edo State without prior notification and official security clearance.
The governor’s decision sparked backlash from concerned citizens, who argued that the former Anambra State governor has the right to visit any state in Nigeria.
However, Obi on Wednesday stormed Benin City, the Edo State capital, to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities in honour of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
A viral video showed a large crowd excited supporters welcoming Obi into the state.
Hundreds of residents were seen lining the streets at night as Obi’s convoy made its way towards the Holy Cross Cathedral.
The development has continued to generate reactions on social media, with some netizens questioning the silence of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, following Obi’s arrival.
Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, in a post on his official X handle, wrote, “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”
Similarly, social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara said Obi’s arrival was unannounced, yet residents turned out in large numbers to welcome him.
“Word quickly spread that Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him.
“No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up,” he wrote on X.
Another influencer, Manju Vic, wrote, “Hello Nigerians, D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo.
“Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry.”
Similarly, an X user Freeman (@freeman_stv) said the crowd was visibly excited to see Obi, with many residents gathering around him to take pictures.
“The crowd was so excited to see him. Many people gathered around, taking pictures and trying to get close to him.
“It even took Peter Obi some time to enter the venue because of the huge crowd. This man is really loved,” he wrote.
Watch Video Below
News
ICPC exposes Payroll Scandal: Official paying 14 family members, another worker collects 13 salaries
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has uncovered cases of ghost workers allegedly inserted into government payrolls, including an official who enrolled 14 members of his family and another who allegedly collected 13 salaries.
The ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Economic Confidential Lecture and National Spokespersons Award, organised by Image Merchants Promotions Limited.
Aliyu said the commission’s investigation into ghost workers had exposed how individuals manipulated government payroll systems to receive multiple salaries.
He said, “We discovered that one person enrolled 14 members of his family. He lived in a religious hotel, a hotel at the public office, receiving salaries.”
The ICPC chairman added that another individual allegedly enrolled his wife, daughter, son and other family members and received 13 salaries.
“Another person enrolled his wife, his daughter, his son, and others and was receiving 13 salaries,” he said.
Aliyu said the commission had also identified about 900 suspected ghost workers and published their names, challenging them to prove that they were genuine employees.
“We now secured income of about 900 ghost workers, which we published their names in papers,” he said.
He explained that the commission subsequently spent about a year investigating the suspected ghost workers, uncovering the methods used to insert fictitious names into government payrolls.
“We spent one year, one single year, on ghost workers,” Aliyu said.
According to him, in some cases, the names of the alleged ghost workers appeared on official payrolls with email addresses, while the bank account details were linked to other individuals.
“When they insert their names, you will see their name in the payroll. You will see their email. But when you check the account number, you will see the name of the person. So, that is how these things have been done,” he explained.
Aliyu warned that the consequences of ghost workers extended beyond salaries, saying fraudulent entries could also result in ghost pensions, housing, health insurance and other benefits.
“Because, you know, once there is a ghost worker, there is ghost pension, there is ghost mortgage, there is ghost housing fund, there is ghost health insurance,” he said.
He said the commission’s intervention was aimed at protecting public resources and strengthening the economy, noting that fraudulent payroll practices imposed additional costs on the country.
The ICPC chairman also disclosed that the commission recovered more than N24bn in ghost pension funds in 2024.
“In 2024, we recovered over N24 billion ghost workers pension,” Aliyu said.
He said the commission had adopted cross-agency collaboration and other preventive measures to tackle corruption and recover government resources.
Aliyu stressed that the commission was increasingly focusing on preventing corruption and ensuring that government projects were properly executed rather than relying solely on criminal prosecution.
He said, “It is better for us to do that than to engage in filing criminal charges. How many charges can we file?”
The ICPC chairman said the commission had recovered or secured government resources through interventions in projects and other areas, stressing that the ultimate objective was to ensure that Nigerians benefited from public expenditure.
He also called for greater use of data and technology in combating corruption, saying effective communication and access to reliable information were essential to building public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Yusha’u Shuaib, said the lecture was organised to promote stronger governance through transparency, accountability and professional communication.
“We are honoured to host yet another gathering of leaders, professionals, scholars, and communication experts committed to strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and advancing excellence in public communication,” Shuaib said.
…Set to launch hospital, targets large share of medical tourism
_…Facility attracts outpouring of interest from diaspora medics
Ahead of the imminent inauguration of the Enugu International Hospital, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has undertaken a tour of the facility, declaring that Enugu State was ready to welcome the world.
Mbah said the hospital was now fully installed with state-of-the-art medical equipment and would help to reverse medical tourism out of the country, ensuring that the state secures a large chunk of the multibillion-dollar market.
Fielding questions from newsmen on Thursday evening after a pre-launch walkthrough of the facility situated at Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, Mbah said the hospital was a product of a deliberate health agenda.
“If you recall our manifesto during our campaign for office, we made it clear that we were committed to making Enugu a medical tourism hub on the continent.
“We knew the size of that market and wanted to have a good share of that market. But we knew also that it was never going to be wished into existence.
“We knew that we needed to do things differently and build a world-class facility and, most importantly, attract top-notch professionals to provide services. We cannot wait to welcome the world to Enugu,” he stated.
Mbah regretted that there was just about one functional location for PET Scan services in the country, but noted that the hospital would now bridge the wide gap in advanced medical services in the country.
“We have quite a lot of Ndi Enugu, and Nigerians who travel to India, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom to seek medical attention. So, what we are asking for is just a fraction of what they would have spent overseas for the same quality services,” he said.
“We felt that if we want to compete globally, then we must also have the ability to provide advanced oncology services. Therefore, we are not only able to give you an advanced diagnosis, but we’re also able to treat. So, both diagnostically and therapeutically, the place to come to is right here in Enugu.
“We have also received an outpouring of interest from our healthcare professionals in the diaspora. Some of them were doing well here at some point and now went overseas to practice. They are now happy to come back home and give back to the society that nurtured them. We are excited about that,” he stated.
He added that the Enugu International Hospital would equally engage in telemedicine as one of its areas of strength.
“Of course, you may be in love with the building and the equipment, but you should also engage professionals from across the globe. You see this in our commitment to telemedicine, digital and electronic medical practices and equipment,” he explained.
He emphasised that the hospital was part of his administration’s agenda for the health sector as a major part of his government’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn, and ensure high quality and increased life expectancy for the people.
“If you look at our intervention in the healthcare sector, from the primary healthcare to the secondary, tertiary, and now the quaternary, it is intentional.
“We are investing heavily in security and healthcare because we know that these are what investors would ask you: ‘Am I safe? If I fall sick, would I have a place where I can get quality medical attention?’” he said, adding that the hospital would also create jobs.
Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Sam Agwu, listed six specialty areas the hospital would provide services in once commissioned.
“We have earmarked six specialty centres here. In the Cancer Centre, we are going to provide medical, surgical, and nuclear medicine therapeutics and diagnostics.
“Then we are going to have the Heart and Vascular Centre of Excellence to deal with all heart problems and open-heart surgery, as you may know; cardiology consultation and diagnostics, electrophysiology and arrhythmia care, coronary care and acute cardiac pathways, interventional cardiology and cath-lab procedures, heart-failure and cardiac rehabilitation clinics, and of course vascular assessment and collaborative surgical care.
“We are going to have the Neurosciences Centre where we will deal with stroke, epilepsy, brain and spine tumours, neurosurgical procedures, among others.
“We are going to have a Renal and Transplant Centre of Excellence covering full kidney, chronic kidney disease clinics, early nephrology review, dialysis support and transplant assessment.
“Then, apart from all the centres of excellence, we are going to have wellness and regenerative medicine, while the usual departments that you know of – mother and child, general surgery, ENT, dental, ophthalmology, among others – will all be here.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State, Dr. Sunday Nwafor, hailed the milestone, saying the hospital would promote brain gain by reversing the mass exodus of medical doctors from the country.
“Going forward, our doctors have a place of international standard where they can practice with state-of-the-art equipment and also earn well,” he said.
Mbah was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, among others.
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