Federal Government files 13-count charge against six individuals for alleged coup plot and terrorism
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals, including two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, in connection with an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism. 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 scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is also listed in the charge but is at large. The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, include treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired in 2025 to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act but failed to alert authorities or take preventive steps. Specific terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, include conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, attending meetings to destabilize Nigeria's constitutional structure, and providing support for terrorism. Several defendants are also accused of handling funds linked to terrorism financing, with Bukar Kashim Goni alleg
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria PCN has sealed 572 pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Plateau State following a four-day enforcement exercise. The closures were due to violations of pharmaceutical regulations, including cooking inside drug outlets, unauthorized clinical practice, and illegal access to controlled medicines. Dr. Suleiman S. Chiroma, Head of Department, Enforcement, speaking on behalf of Registrar/CEO Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, stated that the operation aligns with the PCN's mandate to regulate pharmacy education, training, and practice. The crackdown is part of efforts to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, aiming to ensure drug distribution through approved channels and eradicate substandard medicines. Of 778 premises inspected across Jos South, Jos North, Mangu, Shendam, Barkin Ladi, Qua’an Pan, and Bassa Local Government Areas, 120 pharmacies, 372 patent medicine stores, and 80 illegal outlets were sealed. Five compliance directives were also issued. The PCN noted that 60 percent of the 199 pharmacies visited were sealed, indicating a concerning standard of pharmaceutical practice. Infractions included unauthorized storage and dispensing of medicines, and operation by prospective vendors. The PCN emphasized its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring access to safe, quality medicines dispensed by licensed professionals and urged the public to purchase medicines only from PCN-approved premises.
Must ReadNigeria is preparing to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa due to escalating anti-immigrant tensions in the country. This initiative follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently repatriated hundreds of its nationals. Screening for Nigeria’s voluntary repatriation program began on Thursday, with expectations of over 1,000 individuals participating. Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria has secured waivers with South African authorities, allowing individuals with immigration-related offenses to depart on repatriation flights instead of facing detention. South Africa, a major economic hub, has historically attracted workers from across the region. However, with an unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent, the nation has experienced recurring xenophobic protests, including recent outbreaks of violence. These events have reignited discussions across Africa concerning xenophobia, migration, and the disparity between pan-African ideals and the realities faced by migrants on the continent. Concerns about potential violence have increased following an ultimatum from a citizen-led group demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants by June 30. The South African government has committed to stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants while urging citizens to avoid vigilantism. According to the statistics agency, over three million foreigners reside in South Africa, constituting 5.1 percent of the population, with more than 63 percent originating fro
Carding App has introduced a ₦400 million World Cup prediction event, offering football fans a chance to win a share of the prize pool. Users can predict World Cup matches on the app to earn football coins, which determine their portion of the final ₦400 million. Participants can accumulate coins by predicting match results, inviting friends, and selling gift cards through the app. Consistent performance allows users to compete on group-stage, knockout-stage, and overall leaderboards for additional rewards. The more football coins a user earns, the larger their potential reward. To join, fans need to download the Carding App, create an account, use the promo code WORLDCUP2026, and start predicting matches in the World Cup 2026 prediction section. This initiative combines football entertainment with rewards, allowing fans to test their knowledge and compete for a significant prize.
Nigerian afro-house singer Niniola Apata has shared an emotional tribute to her late husband, Michael Ndika, highlighting his crucial role in her music career. In a video, the Grammy-nominated artist recounted how Ndika, CEO of NaijaReview, shaped her professional and personal life. Ndika passed away on May 19, 2026, at 44 years old. Niniola described their relationship as a "love story," stating that he was her engine and helped her achieve success in the music industry. She revealed that he encouraged her to continue with music even when she considered taking a break. Niniola also expressed the profound void left by his death, calling him the most important person in her life. She thanked the Ndika family for their acceptance and apologized to those affected by the circumstances surrounding the disclosure of his death, which surprised many fans who were unaware of her marriage.