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Sylva, five others arraigned, officers’ wives seek justice over alleged coup plot

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3 weeks ago

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The Federal Government will on Wednesday (today) arraign six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged coup plot to wage war against Nigeria and overthrow the President.

The defendants — retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani — are billed to appear before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Also named in the charge but said to be at large is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The defendants are facing 13 counts bordering on conspiracy, attempt to commit treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, financing terrorism and money laundering.

The charge, filed on Monday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accused them of offences ranging from alleged attempts to overthrow the government to terrorism-related financing.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

They are also accused of failing to report alleged knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others.

The government further alleged that the defendants “knowing that a treasonable act was intended to be committed, did not give information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President… or a Peace Officer.”

They were also accused of failing to prevent the alleged offence, stating that they “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were also accused of attending meetings allegedly linked to the plot “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge further alleged that the defendants “knowingly and indirectly, rendered support” for acts of terrorism and also failed to disclose critical intelligence to security agencies.

Abdulkadir Sani was accused of receiving N2m on September 23, 2025, while Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly retained N50m from accounts linked to A & A Express Link Concept.

Zekeri Umoru was also accused of receiving N10m cash from Colonel Ma’aji and retaining N8.8m in his account, while Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim allegedly received N1m from the same source.

The offences, according to the charge, contravene Sections 37(2), 40(b), 26(1), 2(3)(d), 12(a), 13(1)(a), and 16(1)(a)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Alleged coup probe

The development comes amid widening investigations into an alleged coup plot that has already led to arrests within the military and security circles.

In October 2025, the Federal Government cancelled the Independence Day parade, a move later linked in reports to the alleged plot.

The Defence Headquarters, however, dismissed any connection.

Weeks later, authorities confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers, while two others were declared wanted.

In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that an internal investigation had established a plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, adding that suspects would face military disciplinary panels.

Families of detained officers have since staged protests and demanded transparency, access to their relatives, and speedy trial.

Court martial

Meanwhile, The PUNCH gathered that the military has set up a court martial to try serving personnel allegedly implicated in the case.

The serving military personnel reportedly detained are Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.

Reliable sources confirmed that the panel will be constituted today to begin proceedings.

It was also gathered that detained officers have, for the first time since their arrest, been granted access to their lawyers.

Wives demand clarity, fairness

One of the campaigners for the detained officers’ families, Nana Usman, said there was confusion over who was being arraigned in court and who would face military trial.

Nana is wife to one of the detained senior officers, Lt. Col Sadiq Mohammed.

She said, “Our husbands are not among those being taken to the Federal High Court tomorrow (today). Those are retired military men and top police officers from what we heard.

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“We heard our spouses will face a court-martial from tomorrow (today). I may not be able to say much until we see how proceedings go. That’s also partly because there is no official communication from the military.

“We were only to bring their lawyers to see them today (Tuesday) and prepare ahead for the trial. But whatever it is, we just hope the judgment will be fair. I am also surprised to see them grant the lawyers access to finally see them seven months after their arrest.

“Remember when we (serving officers wives) granted an interview with The PUNCH, we told you specifically that members of their families and the lawyers were denied access to see them.

“Although allowing them access to their lawyers is a good development, we are just hoping they will be fair in their judgment.”

Wives and relatives of detained officers have continued protests, demanding fair trial and access to their loved ones, insisting that they have been held without clear communication for months.

They maintain that their demand is for justice and transparency, not interference in judicial processes.

Recently, children of some of the detained officers staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, calling for a speedy trial and the release of their fathers. The young demonstrators held placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”

“I find this whole coup allegation very surprising. I still don’t believe that my husband can be explained into even doing what he is being accused of. He’s someone who really holds his family values very dearly. He does not want anything that would dent his reputation or his family values,” Lt Col M. A. Al-Makura’s wife Shafa’atu Ali Agbo, said.

Possible death penalty – SANs

Senior lawyers have weighed in on the possible consequences facing the defendants if convicted.

Mike Ahamba (SAN) said treason-related offences attracted the most severe punishments under the Nigerian law.

“Every treasonable trial case could carry a death sentence or life imprisonment or long term imprisonment, depending on the facts of this case. If it’s treason, it’s a very serious offense in any country, and that’s exactly what they are facing.

“It depends on what they are charged with and what evidence they have against them. Those who heard and did not report may not get the same sentence as those who participated in planning the coup. They are all offenses.

So let us listen to the evidence they have against them, that’s what’s important,” he stated.

Bankole Akomolafe (SAN) also shared his view.

“It is a death sentence (if found guilty) even though the judge may exercise his power to commute it to a life sentence. But generally, treason attracts death sentence,” he said.

He explained that the judge may decide to issue a lesser sentence on defendants who only committed borderline offenses, adding however that under the criminal code, the death sentence had not been abrogated for those with more severe offenses.

“If you look at our criminal code since they are going to try them at the Federal High Court, if anybody is able to prove that his own is a borderline, not fully involved, the judge may apply discretion to give them lesser sentence – long term imprisonment like 20, 15, 10 years and so on.

“But those that will be found directly culpable and all that, it doesn’t matter that they are under a civilian regime, death sentence has not been abrogated from our law, even though the Judges are skeptical and the state governors too. But it is still part of our law. The maximum sentence is death,” Akomolafe stated.

Other senior lawyers, including Sam Erugo (SAN), Olu Daramola (SAN) and Aare Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), also said the accused could face death penalty if convicted of treason, though appellate rights remain intact.

Erugo stressed that conviction would depend on whether treason or a lesser offence is proven, while Daramola noted that punishment would vary based on established charges.

Olagunju added that treason remains a capital offence under Nigerian law.

“If they are found guilty, they will be sentenced to death if the charge is treason. That is the oldest provision in our criminal law, dating back to the pre-independence era and retained in the Criminal Code Act,” he said.

According to him, defendants in such serious criminal cases retain the right of appeal up to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which must be exhausted before any sentence can be carried out.

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“It will not be like a military process. This is a regular court. They will go through the Court of Appeal and up to the Supreme Court,” he said.

He added that the determination of punishment ultimately depends on the exact legal charge proven in court, particularly whether the prosecution secures a conviction for treason rather than a lesser related offence.

Similarly, Olu Daramola, SAN, said that the fate of individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government will depend on the specific offence established against them under Nigerian law.

Speaking in a telephone interview ahead of the suspects’ planned arraignment, Daramola explained that while treason-related offences are treated with utmost seriousness, the applicable punishment varies depending on the nature of the charge.

“They are going to be arraigned tomorrow. If the prosecution succeeds and they are convicted, whether they will be sentenced to death or life imprisonment depends on the offence proved,” he said.

“The kind of treason where people are plotting to overthrow the government can actually attract a death sentence,” he added.

However, the senior lawyer expressed uncertainty over whether the current legal framework differs significantly from the military-era decrees under which past coup plotters were tried.

Also the Chairman of Egbe Amofin Oodua, Aare Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), said that if the defendants are found guilty of plotting a coup in Nigeria they may face the death penalty, in line with existing criminal laws.

Olagunju, said the law is clear on the punishment for treason, noting that where the prosecution successfully proves such a charge, the court is empowered to impose the maximum penalty.

“The law provides for death sentence in cases of treason. Where such an offence is established before the court, the punishment is clearly spelt out,” he said.

The senior lawyer further noted that while the law prescribes strict penalties, any accused person would still be entitled to a fair hearing and the full benefit of the judicial process.

CHARGES AGAINST DEFENDANTS

COUNT 1

“That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA (still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.

COUNT 2

“That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM ONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this hourable Court, knowing that COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668) and others intended to commit treason, did not give he information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or a Peace Officer and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.

COUNT 3

“That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, knowing that COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA‘AJI (N/10668), and others intended to commit treason, did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C 38 (LFN) 2004.

COUNT 4

“That you MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large) and others, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

COUNT 5

“That you, INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373) AND ZEKERI UMORU, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, knowingly participated in meetings connected with an act of terrorism and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 2(3)(d) and 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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COUNT 6

“That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and indirectly, rendered support to COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA‘AJI (N/10668) and others, to commit an act of terrorism, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13(1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

COUNT 7

“That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information which you knew would be of material assistance in pventing the commission of the act of terrorism by COLONEL OHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), and others, failed to lose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

COUNT 8

“That you, MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED IBRAHIM GANA -(RTD), CAPTAIN (NN) ERASMUS OCHEGOBIA VICTOR -(RTD), INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM(AP 776373), ZEKERI UMORU, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, ABDULKADIR SANI, AND TIMPRE SYLVA(still at large), sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information which you knew would be of material assistance to securing the apprehension of COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/10668), and others for an offence of terrorism, failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 16(1){b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

COUNT 9

“That you, ABDULKADIR SANI, on or about the 23% day of September,2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the sum of N2,000,000.00(Two Million Naira) only in your Jaiz Bank Account Number 0005620270 from A & A Express Link Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

COUNT 10

“That you, BUKAR KASHIM GONI, in September,2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000.00( Fifty Million Naira) only in your First Bank Account Number 3021511166 from A & A Express Link Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

COUNT 11

“That you, ZEKERI UMORU, in September,2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only from Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Maa‘aji and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

COUNT 12

“That you, ZEKERI UMORU, in September,2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N8,800,000.00(Eight Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only in your Zenith Bank Plc Account Number 2006041878, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

COUNT 13

“That you, INSPECTOR AHMED IBRAHIM, in September, 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly took possession of the sum of N1,000,000.00(One Million Naira) only from COLONEL MOHAMMED ALHASSAN MA’AJI (N/ 10668), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section | (2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

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Coup plotters reached out for spiritual cover — Cleric

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7 hours ago

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May 12, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday watched a video recording in which an Islamic cleric, standing trial over the coup plot, told investigators that he warned the suspected conspirators that their plan would fail and that they would eventually be betrayed.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ordered a joint trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of statements and video recordings the prosecution sought to tender against the six defendants.

The ruling followed objections by defence lawyers, who argued that the statements were obtained in violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Anti-Torture Act.

The Federal Government had on April 22 arraigned six defendants, including a retired major-general, over allegations of treason, terrorism, money laundering and conspiracy to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The defendants are Maj-Gen Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd.); Navy Capt Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (retd.); police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim; Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; and a Zaria-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani.

They all pleaded not guilty to the 13 charges.

At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the fourth prosecution witness remained in the witness box and applied for the playback of a video recording containing the alleged statement of the sixth defendant, Sani.

In the video played in open court, Sani said he knew the alleged ringleader, Col Maaji, for less than one year and was introduced to him through a man identified as Sanda.

The cleric said Sanda approached him for prayers concerning a planned coup and informed him that his “oga” needed spiritual guidance and divination over the success of the operation.

According to Sani, after conducting prayers, he informed them that the operation would fail.

“I warned them the coup would fail,” he said in the recording.

He added that he also told them that two persons involved in the alleged conspiracy would eventually betray the group.

Sani further stated that Sanda later returned with another request for prayers “so that the two individuals would not betray the group.”

The cleric said money was subsequently transferred to him for prayers and charity, while the names of persons allegedly involved in the plot were also sent to him for inclusion in the prayers.

According to him, shortly after the prayers commenced, Sanda informed him that Col Maaji had not been seen for four days.

He added that he later learnt through media reports that arrests had been made over an alleged coup plot.

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Sani, however, maintained in the video that the money transferred to him was not payment for supporting a coup.

“The money was meant for prayers,” he told investigators.

He also admitted that he understood a coup to mean a military overthrow of government, but claimed he did not report the alleged plot because he did not know who to report to.

The cleric narrated that he was later arrested after visiting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over restrictions placed on his bank account.

According to him, he discovered that the account had been flagged when he attempted to make withdrawals from the money sent to him.

He said that after contacting an EFCC deputy director, he was invited to the commission’s office, where he explained that the funds were meant for prayers.

Sani also stated in the recording that he did not make any statement relating to a coup while in EFCC custody.

Before the end of the video, the cleric confirmed that nobody assaulted or tortured him and that his “statements were made voluntarily.”

Following the playback, Oyedepo applied to tender extra-judicial statements allegedly made by the first to fifth defendants before a Special Investigation Panel and military police authorities, alongside Sani’s statement before military investigators.

The move was strongly opposed by lawyers representing all six defendants.

Muhammed Ndayako (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, while Paul Erokoro (SAN), A.H. Shehu, C.D. Okafor, M.A. Ibrahim, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), and Sanusi Musa (SAN) represented the other defendants.

The defence lawyers argued that the statements and accompanying video recordings were not voluntarily made and failed to comply with safeguards provided under the ACJA.

Some of the lawyers also relied on provisions of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, alleging oppression, inducement and coercion during interrogation.

Counsel for the second defendant argued that his client was neither informed of his right to legal representation nor granted access to counsel before his statement was recorded.

The fourth defendant’s lawyer further argued that the video failed to establish whether his client’s legs were free during interrogation, insisting that coercion could not be ruled out.

Ojo, counsel for the fifth defendant, urged the court to order separate trial-within-trial proceedings for each defendant since all the accused persons were disputing the voluntariness of their statements.

Responding, Oyedepo said the prosecution was “not afraid of a trial within a trial.”

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He, however, urged the court to conduct a single joint proceeding instead of separate hearings for each defendant.

After listening to the arguments, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the court would conduct “a joint trial within a trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements.”

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till May 12 for continuation of proceedings.

The prosecution had alleged that the defendants planned to attack the Presidential Villa, detain Tinubu and other top government officials, and take control of strategic institutions.

Investigators also alleged that no fewer than 32 vehicles were procured for covert operations linked to the alleged plot.

Relatives protest

Meanwhile, relatives and sympathisers of military officers standing trial over the coup plot staged a peaceful protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Monday, demanding an open trial and the release of the detained suspects.

The demonstrators, who converged on the ministry’s entrance, chanted solidarity songs and displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “Tinubu Release Our Heroes,” “Lt Col C Chima 419 Witness,” and “AGF, Stop the Kangaroo Court Martial Now.”

Security personnel, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, however, prevented the protesters from gaining access to the ministry premises, restricting them to the entrance gate.

The protest comes amid growing criticism over the handling of the coup trial, particularly after journalists were barred last week from covering proceedings involving some of the accused officers.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the leader of the demonstrators, Justice Isimili, said many of those present were relatives of the detained officers who travelled from different parts of the country.

“Many of the people who turned out today are relatives of our heroes. Some of them came from Jos, Kano and Sokoto to protest the continued detention of the alleged coup suspects who are our fathers, uncles and brothers.

“All we are asking is for the President, who is our father, to temper justice with mercy. We want him to come to our aid. Many of us have not been able to rest or do anything because of our loved ones who are still being held.”

He condemned what he described as the secretive nature of the ongoing court-martial proceedings.

“We want an open trial instead of what they are doing in the name of court martial, where family members, journalists and the public are denied access to the court proceedings. All we are interested in is their freedom,” he added.

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Another protester, Abdullahi Kale, who claimed he travelled from Sokoto for the demonstration, alleged that the continued detention of the suspects was creating the impression that northern military officers were being targeted.

“No freedom, no second term. If the President and the AGF fail to release them, we will mobilise the North against Tinubu’s re-election,” he threatened.

A female protester, Habibat Muhammad, who carried her one-year-old child, Abba, on her back, also appealed for leniency.

Speaking in Hausa, she lamented that life had become difficult for many of the affected families since the suspects were arrested about eight months ago from their homes and military formations.

Responding to the protesters, a director in the ministry, who declined to disclose her name, urged the demonstrators to remain calm and orderly.

According to her, the ministry had yet to receive any formal letter detailing their grievances and demands.

“This is what we told them. They should go back and put their house in order before coming back.

“When you return, let only two persons come with your letter. But if you insist on coming as a group like you did today, it will be misrepresented to mean another thing.”

When pressed to reveal her identity, the official declined.

“On this issue, I can’t give a name. I am just a director in the ministry. What I have only come to offer them is an explanation, which has been done. That is all,” she stated.

The latest protest adds to earlier demonstrations by families of the detained officers, who have repeatedly demanded either their release or immediate arraignment in a transparent and public court process.

The controversy surrounding the trial deepened two weeks ago when journalists were barred from covering bail proceedings involving six of the suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Court officials, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services, reportedly ordered reporters out of the courtroom shortly before proceedings began.

The suspects are facing charges bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering and failure to disclose information.

While some serving military officers are being tried before a court-martial in Abuja, others are facing trial in civilian courts.

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ISIS moves operations to West Africa, US warns

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May 12, 2026

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The United States has identified Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin as critical fronts in its 2026 counterterrorism strategy, warning that extremist groups operating across Africa remain a growing threat to global security.

In the strategy document, the US government said parts of Africa, including West Africa, the Sahel region, the Lake Chad Basin, Mozambique, Sudan and Somalia, have witnessed a resurgence of terrorist activities following the collapse of ISIS strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

The document noted that remnants of the Islamic State and affiliated jihadist groups had relocated to Africa and Central Asia, exploiting ungoverned spaces and weak security structures.

“President Trump unleashed the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen, and within a matter of weeks, a Jihadi insurgency which controlled vast territories across Iraq and Syria was gone.

“Subsequently, the surviving remnants of the world’s most dangerous terrorist group of the modern age were forced to relocate to Africa and Central Asia, in turn exploiting the ungoverned spaces there.

“As a result, today, there are parts of Africa where a resurgent terror threat is the reality. These include in West Africa, the Sahel region, the Lake Chad Basin, Mozambique, Sudan, and of course Somalia, where parts of ISIS have re-established themselves and Al Shabaab maintains its tribal-based Islamist insurgency,” it read.

The US said its major objective in Africa would be to prevent extremist groups from establishing operational bases capable of launching attacks against American interests.

“We will continue to work together with governments threatened by groups like ISIS and al Qaeda affiliates who threaten us as well, and assist them with actionable intelligence and CT partner-force development until our shared foes no longer pose a serious threat to either them or us,” it added.

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The document also declared that the protection of Christians targeted by terrorist groups would remain a key priority of the administration.

According to the strategy, Washington would continue rebuilding bilateral counterterrorism relations with African governments while reducing direct military deployments on the continent.

“We will continue to work together with governments threatened by groups like ISIS and al Qaeda affiliates who threaten us as well, and assist them with actionable intelligence and CT partner-force development,” the document stated.

The strategy criticised previous US foreign policies under former President Joe Biden, claiming they weakened counterterrorism efforts and allowed extremist organisations to regroup across Africa.

Referencing Nigeria specifically, the document praised recent actions taken by President Donald Trump over attacks on Christians in the country.

“With the decisive action President Trump recently took in Nigeria, he made it clear that the slaughter of Christians will not go unchecked,” the document stated.

It quoted Trump as saying on Christmas Day in 2025, “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”

The US also said it would maintain a “light military footprint” in Africa while expecting regional partners to shoulder more of the counterterrorism burden through intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

According to the strategy, African nations possess “almost limitless potential” if governments are able to exercise effective territorial control and deny safe havens to terrorist organisations and violent extremist groups.

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Ramaphosa slams xenophobic violence, vows illegal immigrants arrest

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24 hours ago

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May 11, 2026

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned recent violent protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, describing those behind the unrest as “opportunists” exploiting legitimate socio-economic grievances.

In a public address issued on Monday, Ramaphosa said the violent acts being recorded in some communities do not represent the South African government or the majority of citizens.

He stressed that individuals involved in stopping people, conducting searches, or checking identities without legal authority were engaging in unlawful conduct.

“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism.

“Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” he said.

The president, however, maintained that South Africa must continue to address illegal immigration in a lawful and structured manner, warning that undocumented migration places pressure on public services and worsens unemployment.

“In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages.

“This is fuelling social tension and undermining labour protection laws,” he said.

Ramaphosa noted that the government was strengthening border security through the Border Management Authority and deploying the military to curb illegal crossings.

According to him, about 450,000 attempted illegal entries were intercepted in the past financial year.

He also confirmed ongoing immigration enforcement actions, including arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants, alongside reforms to the country’s migration system.

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“We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws,” he said.

The president added that South Africa would also deploy up to 10,000 labour inspectors to improve compliance with employment and immigration regulations.

He urged both citizens and foreign nationals to comply with South African laws, warning that illegal activities involving fake documentation, bribery, or exploitation of public services would be prosecuted.

“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws,” he said.

“We must make it clear that there is no place for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”

Ramaphosa also defended South Africa’s refugee and migration framework, noting that the country continues to uphold human rights while managing immigration pressures.

He highlighted South Africa’s role in African integration, saying millions of visitors from across the continent enter the country annually for tourism, education, and trade.

“South Africa continues to play its part in deepening African integration and solidarity,” he said.

He called for cooperation between countries to address migration challenges and urged restraint amid rising tensions.

The remarks come amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and reported incidents of looting and violence in parts of Durban, Cape Town, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Recall that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians in South Africa to avoid confrontations, stay alert, and monitor official updates as authorities continue to manage the situation.

The commission further urged Nigerian business owners to take precautionary measures.

NiDCOM noted that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of citizens.

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The commission also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.

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