
Dennis Amachree, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services, has stated in his memoir, "DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield," that former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died from a cardiac arrest during an intimate encounter. Amachree, who was Assistant Director of Operations and Intelligence at the Lagos DSS Command at the time of Abacha's death in June 1998, claims the incident occurred around 4:05 a.m. at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He alleges that a woman, described as a pharmacist, was with Abacha when he became unresponsive. According to Amachree, this woman, who had accompanied her elder sister Abacha's girlfriend to Aso Rock, panicked and left the Presidential Villa before security officials were aware of the situation. She reportedly left Abuja on an early morning flight before she could be questioned. Amachree claims he was later directed to locate and interrogate her in Lagos, where she stated, "I did not kill him, he died on top of me." Amachree asserts that this account contradicts various conspiracy theories surrounding Abacha's death, which has been a subject of speculation since he died in office in November 1993.
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 Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme, an initiative to provide Nigerians with affordable access to laptops, internet-enabled devices, and other digital tools through structured consumer credit. Implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation CREDICORP in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the program aims to deepen digital inclusion and expand technology access nationwide. It aligns with the government's objective of democratizing consumer credit, creating economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians through responsible borrowing. The initiative, unveiled in partnership with the Three Million Technical Talent Programme, will initially focus on locally assembled laptops to boost digital inclusion, support skills development, and enhance productivity. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of a sound credit system for societal progress and commended President Bola Tinubu and CREDICORP for spearheading the program. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, announced that 1,000 locally assembled laptops would be provided to eligible fellows, with the rollout beginning in Abuja where 77 beneficiaries received devices. This intervention seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower

Former Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, stated she is "depressed" after the Cape Town Regional Court postponed judgment in her deportation case until August 19. The court reserved judgment on whether Adetshina should be detained pending deportation after hearing arguments from her legal team and South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. The 25-year-old was arrested in June over allegations of residing in South Africa illegally. The Department of Home Affairs argued Adetshina lacks required immigration documents, should be detained, and still possesses a South African passport despite holding Nigerian citizenship. Prosecutors also claimed she obtained Nigerian passports in Lagos before re-entering South Africa via Mozambique. Her legal team countered that she was born in South Africa, has no significant ties to Nigeria, and is not a flight risk. They argued the Department of Home Affairs failed to conduct a fair investigation before invalidating her documents and noted her citizenship is subject to a separate High Court challenge. Her lawyers proposed she report to an immigration officer every two weeks instead of detention. Presiding Magistrate Reema Khorana encouraged an out-of-court settlement, but no agreement was reached. A recent Western Cape High Court ruling complicated proceedings by stating magistrates lack authority to issue arrest warrants for immigration detention. Adetshina shared an emotional message on Instagram, stating, "Exhausted – Yes, Burnt out

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to use the Ecological Fund to combat shoreline erosion endangering a significant indigenous petrochemical investment in Bayelsa State. This appeal followed a motion by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, who highlighted the threat to the Eraskorp Industrial Park in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area. The Eraskon Lubricants/Chemicals Blending Plant, a private-sector initiative, aims to reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported lubricants and chemical products, supporting industrialization and economic diversification. The facility, which includes a lubricant and chemical blending plant with a 128,000 liters per day production capacity, an aerosol manufacturing plant, and a carton production factory, had reached an advanced stage of construction before erosion caused severe damage. Oboku noted that the Integrated Manufacturing Complex building, 75 percent complete, had to be dismantled due to foundation destruction, and most process equipment is already on site. Abandoning the project would have significant economic consequences, including the loss of over 200 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, and would hinder growth for small and medium-scale enterprises. The House mandated its Committee on Ecological Fund to oversee the implementation of the resolution and report back within six weeks.