JUST IN: Nigerian Military Confirms Officers Planned Coup Against President Tinubu

The Nigerian military has confirmed that certain officers were involved in a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. In October last year, reports surfaced that officers ranging from Captain to Brigadier-General had been arrested and detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged attempt to topple the government. At the time, both the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency denied any coup attempt, despite speculation linked to President Tinubu’s cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day Parade. On Monday, Daily Trust reported that a panel tasked with investigating the arrested officers had submitted its findings to the president. Major-General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the report had been forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority” and stated that officers with cases to answer would face trial before a military judicial panel in line with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant regulations. Uba said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations. The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. “The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN. Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.” The military said the disclosure was intended to promote accountability while maintaining fairness and due process. Uba reaffirmed that the Armed Forces are committed to upholding professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority. He added, “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.”

Read More

El-Rufai Alleges Tinubu Illegally Withdrawing N100bn Monthly From Federation Account

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused President Bola Tinubu of unlawfully deducting N100 billion every month from the federation account without legislative approval. Speaking on ‘Prime Time,’ a programme on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST, El-Rufai said the practice is unconstitutional and qualifies as an impeachable offense. He claimed that the unauthorized deductions have been ongoing for over 15 months, totaling about N1.5 trillion. “Government data. I’m not quoting something out of the air. That 100 billion that goes out every month from the Federation account, without appropriation by the National Assembly—and by the way, without appropriation by the state assemblies, because part of the money belongs to the states—each state assembly is supposed to appropriate that portion. The entire deduction and expenditure is unconstitutional. It’s an impeachable offense, but it has been going on for more than 15 months from the last time I checked,” El-Rufai said. He questioned how the funds were being used, noting the worsening security situation: “So where has that 1.5 trillion gone? What is it being used for? Why is the security situation just getting worse? Why is the government asking communities to protect themselves?” Reflecting on the current state of affairs, El-Rufai added, “Look, if you asked me in 2022 or 2023 when we were campaigning that things would ever be this bad, I would say that you are mentally ill.”

Read More

Tinubu Declares Era Of ASUU Strikes Over, Pledges Lasting Stability In Tertiary Education

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is over, assuring that his administration is committed to lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. He made the statement during the 56th convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he was represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The president emphasized that the cycle of prolonged academic disruptions will be replaced by sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and timely implementation of agreements. “Since the beginning of my administration, we have seen two uninterrupted academic sessions across our tertiary institutions. This is the result of firm political will, ongoing dialogue, and responsible leadership,” Tinubu said. He highlighted that, under his direct oversight, the federal government recently signed a new agreement with ASUU, resolving a long-standing dispute that had previously undermined confidence in Nigeria’s university system. “This milestone ensures industrial harmony and a predictable academic calendar. It restores the dignity of learning and signals the end of perennial strikes in our universities,” he added. The president also outlined key initiatives introduced by his administration, including the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for students, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for university workers, and other programs aimed at strengthening the education sector. He stressed the need for universities to produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating jobs and driving innovation. “My administration will continue to implement reforms for a technology-driven education system, including curriculum restructuring, quality assurance, skill-based learning, and fostering innovation-led problem solving,” Tinubu said. UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola praised the university Senate, staff, and stakeholders for their dedication, and congratulated the graduates and their sponsors. She encouraged the graduates to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute positively to society.

Read More

President Tinubu Hosts Olubadan Of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja At Presidential Villa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, January 23, 2026. The meeting was shared on X by Bayo Onanuga, who posted photos of the president and the traditional ruler together, captioned: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu meets with Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday 23/01/2026, Photo State House.” No details of the discussions have been made public. Oba Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, maintains a longstanding relationship with President Tinubu, who attended his coronation in Ibadan last year.

Read More

Tinubu Approves Commercial Oil Drilling In Ogun

President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead for commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State, signaling a major step for the state’s coastal development. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the approval on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The governor also disclosed that Tinubu has authorized the immediate launch of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, ending years of anticipation for the multibillion-dollar port. According to Abiodun, both projects hold particular significance for the President. While the Olokola Deep Seaport is expected to reduce congestion at Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island aims to foster economic inclusion and empower residents of coastal communities. “Mr President has approved the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, and activities will soon begin there. Our Olokola Port project, long in the planning stages, is now officially back on track. I sincerely thank Mr President, as this initiative comes entirely from him. In just the past two weeks, we have held multiple meetings on Olokola, and the President is committed to making this port a reality,” the governor said. Abiodun added that the President has instructed that port construction be significantly advanced by next year. The project, to be named the Blue Marine Economic Zone, will serve as a strategic coastal hub and provide an alternative logistics corridor to ease pressure on Lagos ports. The governor also commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence of naval forces will help prevent incursions from the Republic of Benin and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Abiodun said his administration is working to improve living conditions on the island by providing basic amenities to support residents and boost emerging economic activities. He also praised the Navy’s role in Ogun State’s security, emphasizing that inter-agency cooperation has helped maintain the state’s relative peace. Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a highly experienced officer, Abiodun expressed confidence that Ogun State would benefit from enhanced security and development under his leadership. “We are happy that someone with your training, background, and experience is in this role. You are truly a round peg in a round hole,” he said.

Read More

Tinubu Holds Meeting With Seyi Makinde At Presidential Villa

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting separately with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Our correspondent observed that Mutfwang arrived first around 3:00 p.m., followed by Makinde at approximately 3:30 p.m. The meetings are taking place amid ongoing political realignments, as key figures begin consultations and strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections. Makinde, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, remains one of the few in the party who has stayed with the opposition amid a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Oyo governor is widely regarded as positioning himself for a possible run for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Read More

Tinubu Honors Businessman Gilbert Chagoury With GCON National Award

President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria. The honour, which ranks as Nigeria’s second-highest national award after the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), was conveyed through an Instrument of Conferment dated January 8, 2026. According to Tinubu, the award was made under the powers granted to him by the National Honours Act, citing Chagoury’s “outstanding virtues” and service to the country. “In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, hereby award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON),” the president said. Chagoury, who was born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrant parents, is a prominent industrialist and co-founder of the Chagoury Group, established in Lagos in 1971. The conglomerate operates across several sectors, including construction, real estate, hospitality, glass manufacturing and flour milling. He is a major financier of the Eko Atlantic City project through South Energyx Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group. In addition, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, which is linked to the group, is handling the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project. Chagoury rose to national prominence in the 1990s and was known for his close ties to the late military ruler, Sani Abacha, a period during which his business interests reportedly expanded.

Read More

Tinubu Holds Private Meeting With Kano Governor Amid Defection Rumors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently in a private meeting with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the State House in Abuja. Governor Yusuf arrived shortly after 4 pm and was escorted to the President’s office by Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The meeting comes amid speculation that the NNPP governor may be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), though the exact reason for the discussion remains undisclosed. NNPP national leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso had previously dismissed claims that he approved or endorsed any move by Governor Yusuf to switch parties. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a planned defection may have stalled over disagreements concerning an automatic second-term ticket. Observers note that the meeting with President Tinubu could be connected to these developments. Further details are expected to emerge later.

Read More