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Coup plot: I was to be arrested, shot—Nigerian Defense Minister Musa

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The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, said that he was among the key targets of a foiled coup plot, revealing that the alleged masterminds planned to have him shot if he resisted arrest.

General Musa made the revelation on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, days after the military confirmed that about 16 officers arrested in October would be tried over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

“I was also a target, I am sure you know,” said the minister, who is the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). “I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.”

In October, the military announced the arrest of “sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” However, authorities later disclosed that further investigations uncovered more serious allegations.

According to the Armed Forces, findings linked some of the officers to an alleged plot to topple the government—acts described as being “inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said those implicated would be prosecuted.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” he stated.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that sixteen officers were indicted after an investigation by the country’s military panel.

BREAKING: IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful resigns, gives reason

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The spokesperson of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Comrade Emma Powerful, has resigned from his position, citing internal contradictions and recent developments that he said no longer align with his conscience.

Powerful announced his resignation in a statement personally signed by him and made public on Saturday. He said the decision followed deep reflection, consultations, and careful consideration of unfolding events within the movement.

“I hereby announce my resignation from my role as Spokesperson, Media and Publicity Secretary, effective January 31, 2026,” he stated. “This decision was not taken lightly. I have served with commitment, discipline, and loyalty, believing strongly in the ideals of justice, equity, and truth, which originally inspired my involvement.”

He explained that recent internal developments and emerging approaches within IPOB had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue in the role in good conscience.

“The unfolding realities, internal contradictions, and emerging approaches being adopted in recent times have made it difficult for me to proceed. Remaining silent or acting as though all is well would amount to self-betrayal and a departure from the principles I stand for,” he said.

Powerful added that the issuance of his resignation letter marked his final day of making any statements or issuing press releases on behalf of, or in connection with, IPOB. He cautioned that any future publication or communication bearing his name should not be attributed to him.

“I remain grateful to all who believed in my work, supported my efforts, and stood for truth at various times. I wish everyone well as they navigate the path ahead. History will judge us all,” he concluded.

His resignation comes as the separatist group, IPOB, recently stopped him from issuing a statement on its behalf.

 

Govt failure, not snake Bite killed singer Ifunanya Nwangene—Nigerians React

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Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage over the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old aspiring singer who reportedly died on Saturday after a snake bite, with many blaming systemic failures in the country’s healthcare sector rather than the incident itself.

Netizens argue that Nwangene’s death could have been avoided if the hospitals she was taken to had antivenom readily available. According to reports, she was rushed to two different medical facilities after being bitten by a snake at her residence in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, but neither hospital was able to administer antivenom.

Ifunanya, who gained wider attention after participating in The Voice Nigeria in 2021 and later showcased her talent on TikTok, eventually died following the delay in treatment.

Describing the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable, social media users noted that Nwangene’s case only gained attention because of her online popularity, stressing that similar incidents occur daily across the country without public notice.

Popular health influencer Aproko Doctor said the tragedy highlighted deep-rooted failures in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“What if I tell you it is not the snake that killed her?” he asked. “Snakes bite people everywhere—in the bush or the city, in India, Australia, or other countries. But people do not die like this.”

He added, “They do not die just because they went to two hospitals and were told to their faces that there was no antivenom in a country where snakes live, in 2026, not 1980 or 1970. Nigeria even has a locally developed antivenom for Nigerian snakes called Echitab. The question is why wasn’t it in the fridges of the hospitals she went to? Simply because we have forgotten the basics.”

Aproko Doctor further criticized government priorities, saying, “Our politicians are building flyovers where ambulances don’t exist. We are focusing on ultramodern hospitals, when primary healthcare centers—the first point of call in any functioning country—should be working.”

Human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi also weighed in, lamenting the decline of Nigeria’s medical institutions.

“The University College Hospital, Ibadan, was the preferred hospital for the Saudi royal family in the late 1950s and 1960s. It was that good,” he said. “But in 2026 Nigeria, lives are being lost because hospitals lack basic antivenins, while our doctors are all abroad.”

An animal and nature enthusiast known as Arojinle echoed similar concerns, stating, “UCH is among the top three medical facilities in Nigeria, yet it does not have antivenom. The same goes for Adeoyo State Hospital, the top state hospital in Ibadan. That is the reality of the country.”

He added, “I know someone who once needed antivenom. They went to 12 pharmacies without success and only found it at the 13th pharmacy.”

The incident has reignited public debate about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly the availability of life-saving emergency treatments in hospitals across the country.

Onitsha Main Market: We stand by traders—US-based Igbo veterans back Sit-at-Home on Monday

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The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a United States-based nonprofit organization of military veterans of Igbo ancestry, has declared its support for the sit-at-home scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, across Nigeria’s Southeast.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary, Godson Obiagwu, AVID said the action, announced by Emma Powerful on behalf of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represents a peaceful show of unity and protest against what it described as persistent injustices against the Igbo people.

The group praised traders in Onitsha for resisting efforts by Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, to discourage the weekly sit-at-home, describing the action as a non-violent means of expressing opposition to marginalization and the continued detention of Kanu.

AVID said its members, as U.S. military veterans of Igbo heritage, regard the sit-at-home as a legitimate form of civic expression, drawing parallels with the resilience shown by the Igbo people during the Biafran War. According to the group, the stance taken by Onitsha traders symbolizes endurance and collective resolve.

The organization urged residents of the former Biafra region to observe the sit-at-home in solidarity, while stressing that participation should remain voluntary and within the bounds of the law.

AVID also renewed its call for the immediate release of Kanu and appealed to the Nigerian government to engage in meaningful dialogue to address grievances in the Southeast.

The group dismissed what it described as conflicting directives from other entities or factions, warning that such actions could undermine unity among Biafrans.

It further called on the international community, including the United States government, to closely monitor developments in the region and support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful and just resolution.

“AVID commends the Onitsha traders for their courageous rejection of Governor Charles Soludo’s unnecessarily forceful directives aimed at undermining the longstanding Monday sit-at-home tradition, which has served as a non-violent protest against systemic oppression, marginalization, and the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them and urge all Biafrans to observe this sit-at-home in solidarity, honoring the sacrifices made for justice and self-determination”, the statement partly reads.

 

EPL table: Man City held by Tottenham, falls six points behind Arsenal

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Manchester City missed the opportunity to keep pace with Arsenal in the Premier League title race after settling for a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side went into the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium aware that Arsenal had earlier thrashed Leeds United 4-0, putting pressure on the champions to respond. Elsewhere, Aston Villa also dropped points, suffering a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Brentford.

City appeared to be in control after racing into a two-goal lead, with goals from Ryan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. However, Tottenham mounted a strong second-half comeback, as Dominic Solanke struck twice to rescue a point for the hosts.

The result means Arsenal has now opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Fela Kuti more than a musician—Tinubu reacts as he receives posthumous Grammy Awards

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti following his posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy of America.

In a statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu described Fela as “more than a musician,” portraying him as a fearless advocate for the masses, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary whose music challenged injustice and reshaped global sounds.

The President said Fela’s courage, creativity, and unwavering conviction defined an era and continue to inspire people across the world.

Drawing from Yoruba mythology, Tinubu added that Fela has transcended to a higher spiritual realm as an Orisa, making his legacy timeless and eternal.

“This award is an affirmation of his enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in the evolution of modern music,” the president said, noting that Fela was the first African to receive the prestigious honor.

Fela Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat, remains a major influence on generations of Nigerian and global musicians, with elements of his sound evident in Afrobeats and other contemporary genres.

“Fela lives,” President Tinubu

Troops kills Boko Haram Commander Abu Khalid, others terrorists in Sambisa forest 

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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have killed a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid and other terrorists during a military operation in Sambisa forest Borno State.

 

Abu Khalid was identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram operating within the Sambisa Forest.

 

In a statement released on Sunday, the Media Information Officer at the Joint Task Force Headquarters, Sani Uba, said the terrorist leader was neutralized alongside 10 other fighters during a night operation.

 

According to the statement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as large quantities of medical consumables from the terrorists’ hideout.

 

The military noted that no casualties were recorded among the troops involved in the operation. It added that morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the Northeast.

 

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum of operations until all terrorist elements are eliminated and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.

 

The Military High Command also commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifices, urging them to maintain the current operational tempo in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the Northeast.

Naval Officer Yarima linked to Wike confrontation faults ValueJet after being stopped with pistol at Abuja airport

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A Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant Adam Muhammad Yerima, has come under scrutiny for allegedly violating aviation security rules after attempting to board a commercial flight while carrying a pistol.

According to SaharaReporters, Yerima—who previously drew public attention for confronting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—reportedly accessed the boarding area at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, through the airport’s military wing. By doing so, he allegedly bypassed the standard security screening required of civilian passengers.

 

Sources said the officer proceeded towards a ValueJet Airlines aircraft while armed, an action that contravenes Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations, which prohibit passengers from boarding commercial flights with firearms unless such weapons are properly declared and processed through approved security channels.

 

Airline security personnel reportedly detected the breach and stopped Yerima from boarding. The officer was said to have accused ValueJet of treating him with disrespect for enforcing the rules. After initial objections, he allegedly complied with the required screening and declaration procedures and was later allowed to board the flight.

 

The matter, however, did not end at the airport. SaharaReporters gathered that the Nigerian military subsequently issued a formal letter to ValueJet Airlines, accusing the carrier of disrespecting a serving officer and demanding an apology for preventing him from boarding with his weapon.

 

Aviation experts note that regulations mandate all passengers, regardless of rank or status, to undergo security screening before boarding commercial aircraft. Firearms, even when legally owned, must be handled under strict protocols.

 

Industry sources described the incident as part of a broader challenge at major airports, where some military personnel allegedly resist complying with civilian aviation procedures.

 

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Navy nor Lieutenant Yerima had issued an official response. Yerima is widely known following his confrontation with Minister Wike at a land site in Abuja last year.

Trump: US embassy suspends routine media updates on Nigeria over funding

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The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a temporary pause in its regular social media updates, citing financial challenges caused by a lapse in the President Donald Trump-led United States government funding.

The mission explained that the decision forms part of short-term operational adjustments necessitated by the funding gap. The announcement was made on Saturday via its verified X account.

According to the statement, the mission will suspend routine online communications until full operations are restored, adding that only critical safety and security information will be shared during the period.

“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the mission stated.

The development has raised concerns among Nigerians who rely on the mission’s digital platforms for official updates, especially those related to travel advisories and consular services.

However, the mission reassured the public that essential services would continue despite the funding challenges. It clarified that passport and visa services would remain operational both in the United States and at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, including those in Nigeria, depending on how the funding situation evolves.

“At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits,” the statement added.

The mission further noted that normal public announcements would resume once full operations are restored, except in cases involving urgent safety or security issues.

Meanwhile, individuals seeking information on services, appointments, or operational updates have been advised to visit the official U.S. travel website for guidance until regular communication channels are reinstated.

Lagos Demolitions: Six People Dead—Makoko Resident 

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A displaced resident of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos State, Jide Ojo, has alleged that at least six people have died following what he described as inhuman and illegal demolition exercises carried out in the area.

Ojo, who spoke on Saturday during an interview on Arise Television, said the demolitions had left residents traumatized, shocked, and homeless.

According to him, government officials initially engaged the community in discussions about regeneration, upgrading, and development, only for the process to suddenly turn into unexpected demolitions.

 

He accused the Lagos State Government of disregarding due process and ignoring existing court judgments that ordered a halt to the demolition exercise.

 

“The experience was not pleasant at all. It was very traumatic and horrible,” Ojo said. “We had situations where the government was discussing regeneration and development with community members, but suddenly it turned into demolition—unexpected demolition.”

 

Ojo explained that the law requires authorities to issue a contravention notice, followed by a quit notice and then a demolition order from a court before any structure can be pulled down.

 

“In this case, the process was not followed,” he alleged. “Most of these communities have valid judgments from courts of competent jurisdiction, including the Lagos State High Court, stopping the demolitions.”

 

He further claimed that the demolitions have resulted in multiple deaths, with some victims dying instantly and others succumbing later due to trauma linked to the evictions.

 

“There was a lady who reportedly died after inhaling intense tear gas smoke,” Ojo said. “About six people are currently in the mortuary, allegedly killed as a result of the illegal and forceful eviction from communities like Makoko.”

 

Ojo described the situation as unfortunate and called for accountability over what he termed the unlawful handling of the demolition exercise.

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