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Sacking Of Service Chiefs: ‘This Is Not A Reaction To Any Rumour Of Coups’ – Presidency Clarifies

Published

5 months ago

October 26, 2025

The Presidency has dismissed claims that the removal and replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs were linked to a coup plot.

It was reports that speculation about a planned military takeover surfaced after Sahara Reporters alleged that 16 officers were detained in connection with a plot to oust President Bola Tinubu.

The October 19 report also claimed the cancellation of the Independence Day military parade was tied to growing unrest in the Armed Forces.

However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked the story.

Reacting on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu, on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, told Saturday Punch that the President acted purely to refresh the military command after two years of sustained operations.

“This is not a reaction to any rumour of coups. He is exercising his powers. The service chiefs have done two years,” Ajayi said.

According to him, the change was aimed at injecting “new direction, vision, vigour and energy” into the Armed Forces.

Ajayi explained that the country continues to grapple with multiple security threats, making the leadership overhaul necessary.

“We are fighting security issues, Boko Haram in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, IPOB and ESN in the South-East, kidnapping in the South-West, and other crises in the North-Central,” he stated.

The presidential aide further noted that security operations had dominated national spending, leaving other critical sectors starved.

“In the last 15 years, look at our national budget, security taking the largest chunk. The President wants to deal with this matter once and for all, so that the money going into defence expenditure will be better deployed to fund critical infrastructure like power, roads, broadband, education, and healthcare,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi stressed that the President’s decision was lawful and consistent with constitutional provisions.

“Every appointee of government, whether you are minister, head of agency, or service chief, serves at the pleasure of the President. Nobody has a secure tenure. The only two people in the Federal Government who have a guarantee of tenure are the President and the Vice President,” he explained.

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News

Autopsy reveals what led to singer Destiny Boy’s death

Published

45 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The cause of death of Nigerian singer Afeez Adesina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has been revealed months after his passing.

According to P.M News, the 22-year-old artiste, who died on January 17, 2026, had sparked speculation at the time, especially after videos from the scene circulated online.

While his family initially stated that he had been dealing with a long-term health condition that caused seizures, new findings have provided more clarity.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, an autopsy carried out by the State Criminal Investigation Department showed harmful levels of tramadol and methamphetamine in his system.

The report concluded that the cause of death was aspiration pneumonitis resulting from the ingestion of these substances.

Police spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, also confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, with investigations still ongoing.

Destiny Boy rose to fame in 2019 after his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s song If gained attention online.

He is survived by his partner, Iremide, and their child, whom they welcomed in November 2024.

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Cuba releases more than 2,000 prisoners amid US pressure

Published

2 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Cuban government on Saturday morning, April 3, announced plans to release 2,010 prisoners in what it described as a “humanitarian gesture,” as pressure from the United States continues to mount.

The announcement was shared by the Cuban Embassy in the US on social media, with officials linking the move to the observance of Holy Week rather than directly referencing tensions with Washington.

According to the government, those set to be released include foreign nationals, Cuban citizens living abroad, young people, women and older adults. Authorities said the decision was based on factors such as good conduct, time already served, the nature of the offenses and the health condition of the inmates.

No timeline was provided for when the prisoners will be released, and officials did not disclose the specific crimes committed by those affected. It also remains unclear whether individuals convicted during protests are among those included.

While Cuban authorities deny holding political prisoners, rights group Prisoners Defended has reported that more than 1,200 people are detained on political grounds.

The move comes as the administration of Donald Trump intensifies economic pressure on the island, including an effective oil blockade that has contributed to fuel shortages and economic strain.

Washington has pushed for political and economic reforms in Cuba, although details of those demands have not been made fully public. The US has also signaled that sanctions relief would depend on significant changes by the Cuban government.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Cuba would need to undergo major reforms to qualify for any easing of sanctions, stressing that the country’s economic challenges are tied to its political system.

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PHOTOS: Man hospitalised after sustaining injuries from beatings while portraying Jesus Christ during Good Friday procession

Published

2 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A second-year law student at Kampala International University, Dennis Zziwa, sustained injuries while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya, Uganda.

Dennis sustained injuries from the beatings he received during the intense scenes of the reenactment.

He received immediate first aid from Red Cross responders.

He was later taken to Lamone Health Center in Luzira for further medical attention.